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ti\tlSitxtal\xtmn 


iEx  ICtbrifl 


SEYMOUR   DURST 


-f  '  'Tort  nituu/    ^irTt/ferd^-m,  o^  Je  M<rnhatarus 


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AVFRY  Arc  HITECTUF<AL  AND  FlNE  ARTS  LIBRARY 
Gil  T()[  Sr  YMOUR  B.  DuRSi  Old  York  LllJR.\R^• 


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AUTOBIOGRAPHY 


OF 


THOMAS  PAINTER 


RELATING   HIS    EXPERIENCES 

DURING  THE   WAR    OF 

THE   REVOLUTION 


PRINTED  FOR  PRIVATE  CIRCULATION 


0  ff^  'IE 


EXPLANATORY  PREFACE. 


The  following  autobiography  was  written  in 
1836,  when  Thomas  Painter,  the  author  and  a 
Revolutionary  Soldier,  was  seventy-six  years 
of  age.  It  was  in  his  own  handwriting,  written 
for  his  children,  that  they  might  appreciate  his 
eventful  life,  and  has  been  copied  from  his 
original  manuscript  with  exactness. 

One  of  his  grandchildren,  Mrs.  Lewis 
Clephane,  of  Washington,  D.  C,  believing  that 
those  of  his  descendants  to  whom  the  original 
document  is  not  accessible,  would  highly  prize 
copies  of  it,  has  had  it  printed  for  private  cir- 
culation among  them. 

It  is  sent  to  Historical  Societies  because, 
although  in  some  respects  of  a  nature  personal 
to  the  family,  it  contains  much  of  general 
interest. 

March,  1910. 


THOMAS  PAINTER 

COPY  OF   PASTEL   MADE  AT  AGE  36 


HISTORY 


OF  THE 

FAMILY,  AND  LIFE  OF 

THOMAS  PAINTER 

(THE  AUTHOR,   AND   WRITER,   AND   SUBJECT  OF    THIS 

NARRATIVE)    ONE    OF    THE    DESCENDANTS    OF 

THE    PAINTER    FAMILY,    IN    THE   PARISH 

OF    WEST    HAVEN,    WHICH    TILL 

QUITE  RECENTLY  BELONGED 

TO  THE   TOWN    OF 

NEW  HAVEN. 


I  was  born  in  the  parish  of  West  Haven,  in 
the  House  where  I  now  live  on  the  24th  day  of 
January  1760.  My  father's  name  was  Joseph, 
the  second  son  of  Shubael  Painter  and  Eliza- 
beth Dunbar.  My  mother's  name  was  Amy, 
daughter  of  Thomas  Stevens  and  Desire  Smith 
and  granddaughter  of  the  aged  Thomas  and 
Amy  Stevens.  My  grandmother  Stevens  Law, 
was  of  the  first   Smith  family,   and  was  the 


daughter  of  Samuel  Smith,  and  was  born  in  the 
house  where  I  now  live,  about  130  years  since. 

My  father  had  5  children.  Two  sons  and  Three 
daughters.  Viz.  Myself,  Shubael — Amy  and 
Betty,  and  one  died  in  infancy.  Amy  married 
David  Clinton  who  was  captur'd  on  board  the 
Gaily  Privateer,  Charles  Pond,  Commander, 
and  died  on  board  the  Old  Jersey  prison  Ship, 
in  New  York,  in  the  revolutionary  War. 

She,  afterwards  married  Thomas  Benham, 
and  moved  into  the  State  of  New  York,  to  a 
place  called  Armenia.  Her  husband  fell  into 
a  sort  of  deranged  State  of  mind  and  at  length 
hung  himself.  She  sometime,  afterwards  went 
out  to  the  ^A/'est,  to  Visit  her  children  where  she 
was  taken  sick,  and  died,  aged  about  75  years. 
Soon  after  the  death  of  my  Father,  Shubael 
went  to  live  at  Milford  Farms,  with  a  Mr. 
Nettleton.  After  staying  there  some  time,  he 
was  put  out  to  a  Mr.  Gaylord,  of  Cheshire,  to 
learn,  the  Blacksmith's  trade.  After  serving 
his  time  out,  he  came  to  West  Haven  and  went 
to  Sea,  with  me. 

On  his  second  or  third  voyage  he  sicken'd 
and  died,  on  our  passage  Home  and  I  committed 
his  mortal  remains  to  a  Watery  Grave,  never 
more  to  be  seen  till  the  Sound  of  the  Arch 
Angel's  Trump,  shall  cause  the  Sea  to  give  up 


her  dead.  My  Father  followed  the  Sea  for  a 
living,  and  sailed  out  of  Milford,  in  the  Employ 
of  Col.  Edward  Ailing.  He  had  command  of 
a  Vessel  and  in  the  year  1766,  being  on  a  Voy- 
age, and  while  lying  in  the  harbor  of  Basten, 
in  the  Island  of  St.  Christophers,  was  drove  out 
in  a  hurricane  and  upset.  The  Crew  remained 
some  time  on  the  Vessel's  bottom,  till  some 
were  drowned  in  attempting  to  procure  pro- 
visions, and  in  trying  to  cut  the  masts  away, 
so  that  she  might  right.  Some  set  out  to  swim 
on  shore,  but  were  never  heard  from,  until  only 
two  remained,  my  father,  and  one  Cadwell,  of 
Milford.  At  length  a  Vessel  hove  in  sight,  and 
came  near  there,  but  she  had  lost  her  boat  in 
the  Gale,  and  other  ways  damaged  so  that  she 
dare  not  come  near  enough  to  save  them,  unless 
they  could  swim  to  them,  as  they  dare  not  come 
alongside  of  the  Wreck.  Cadwell,  being  a  good 
swimmer,  was  enabled,  by  swimming,  to  get 
so  near  the  Vessel  that  he  caught  a  rope,  and 
thereby  got  on  board.  My  Father  could  not 
swim,  and  therefore,  had  to  stay  behind,  where 
he  remained,  until  Death  relieved  him  from 
his  sufferings,  and  as  there  was  reason  to 
believe,  that  he  Exchanged  a  World  of  Sin 
and  Sorrow,  for  a  World  of  perfect  peace, 
and  happiness,  leaving  his  poor  Widow,  and 


Orphan  Children  to  lament  their  loss,  and 
for  a  short  season  longer,  to  contend  with 
the  storms  and  tempests  of  this  Wilderness 
World. 

My  Mother  now  being  left  a  Widow  and  in 
low  circumstances,  with  four  Fatherless  Chil- 
dren to  look  up  to  her  for  Bread,  the  oldest  of 
which,  was  only  about  g  years  old.  She  there- 
fore had  to  work  hard,  and  fare  hard,  for  about 
7  years  when  she  was  taken  sick  of  a  fever, 
and  died.  And,  as  it  was  believed,  made  a 
happy  Exit,  to  that  blessed  World,  where  the 
Wicked  cease  from  troubling,  and  the  W^eary 
are  at  Rest. 

At  the  death  of  my  Father,  I  was  about  Six 
years  of  age,  and  my  mother,  being  unable  to 
support  all  her  children,  I  had  to  shirk  for  my- 
self, and  went  to  live  with  my  Grandmother 
Smith,  Stevens,  Painter,  Law,  at  Cheshire,  She 
having  had  three  husbands.  Here  I  remained 
until  I  was  about  ii  years  of  age.  At  about 
that  time  I  returned  back  to  West  Haven,  and 
went  to  live  with  my  Uncle  Jesse  Stevens, 
in  the  House,  where  Newton  Stevens  now 
lives,  to  learn  the  Shoe  Maker's  trade,  where  I 
continued  working  with  him  at  Shoes  and 
farming  out.  If  at  any  time  I  wanted  a  little 
pocket  money,  I  had  no  parents  or  friends  to 


furnish  me  with  any.  I  therefore  had  to 
depend  on  my  own  Exertions,  and  try  to 
furnish  myself. 

This  seemed  at  the  time  to  be  a  hard  lot, 
as  other  Boys  of  my  age,  had  Parents  to 
furnish  them,  whenever  they  wanted.  But 
before  I  was  21  years  of  age,  I  was  of  a  very 
different  opinion,  and  thought  it  was  altogether 
to  my  advantage,  to  be  oblig'd  to  shirk  for  my- 
self, as  I  found  myself  far  ahead  of  those  which 
I  had  so  much  envied,  insomuch  that  when  I, 
had  charge  of  a  Vessel,  they  were  sailing  with 
me,  as  raw  hands,  and  but  just  beginning  to 
find  out,  that  they  had  got  to  gain  a  living  for 
themselves.  While  living  with  my  Uncle 
Stevens,  I  found  from  observation  that  he,  had 
hard  work  to  get  along  and  support  his  family, 
and  of  course  I,  could  not  expect  to  do  any 
better  than  that,  at  that  business.  I  therefore 
thought  it  best,  that  I  should  take  some  other 
course,  and  the  Revolutionary  War  coming 
on,  I  thought  it  best  to  try  my  fortune  by  a 
Roving  life,  and  having  (as,  is  common  for 
Boys)  an  inclination  for  a  Soldier's  life,  I 
Enlisted  in  a  company  commanded  by  Robert 
Brown,  of  New  Haven,  for  a  campaign  of  2 
months,  in  the  winter  of  1776 — marched  to 
New  York — went  over  to  Brooklyn — and  was 


employ' d  the  whole  of  the  campaign  in  building 
fortifications.  At  that  time,  there  were  only  8 
or  10  Houses  (Exclusive  of  the  Ferryhouses) 
on  that  End  of  the  Island,  where  the  city  of 
Brooklyn  now  stands. 

At  the  close  of  this  campaign,  I  returned  back 
to  West  Haven,  and  went  to  work  a  short  time 
with  my  Uncle,  again,  till  sometime  in  the 
month  of  June,  when  I  enlisted  in  a  Company, 
Commanded  by  Capt.  James  Prentice,  for  a 
Campaign  of  6  months.  This  was  a  fortunate 
Event  to  me,  as  this  was  a  very  fatiguing  Cam- 
paign. It  made  me  sick  of  a  Soldier's  life, — for, 
had  I  remained  at  home,  till  the  next  fall,  when 
orders  were  given  out  to  Enlist  during  the  War, 
I  should  certainly  have  Enlisted,  had  it  not  been 
for  the  circumstance  above  mentioned,  as  I  was 
so  well  pleased  with  the  first  short  Campaign, 
having  no  Enemy  to  contend  with,  there  being 
only  one  or  two  British  Ships,  in  the  Bay.  After 
Enlisting  in  this  Company  for  6  months  under 
Capt.  Prentice,  we  marched  to  New  York,  and 
were  quarter' d  in  a  large  house  in  Wall  Street, 
said  to  have  been  the  Residence  of  the  last 
British  Governor. 

At  this  time,  the  British  fleet,  and  army,  had 
arrived  from  Boston,  the  Army  being  Encamped 
on  the  North  Side  of  Staten  Island,  and  the  fleet 


10 


in  the  Bay,  near  them  all  in  plain  sight  from  the 
City.  While  the  fleet  and  Army  lay  at  that 
place,  Two  of  the  British  Ships  of  War,  got 
Under  way,  with  a  fair  wind,  and  tide  came 
up — and  passed  all  our  forts — went  up  the 
North  River  to  Tappan  Bay,  staid  as  long  as 
they  pleased, — and  then  returned  to  the  fleet, 
after  discharging  their  broadsides  into  the  City, 
as  they  passed  each  Way. 

It  being  now  about  the  6th  of  July,  in  the 
memorable  year  of  1776,  news  of  the  Decla- 
ration of  Independence  had  arrived,  which 
Declaration  had  been  made  at  Philadelphia  on 
the  4th.  This  news  appear' d  to  be  well  re- 
ceived, and  a  large  concourse,  both  of  Troops 
and  Citizens  assembled,  and  proceeded  down 
to  the  Bowling  Green,  at  the  lower  End  of 
Broadway.  In  the  centre  of  this  Oval  Space, 
Enclosed  by  an  Iron  fence,  stood  the  Effigy,  of 
King  George,  as  large  as  life.  He  was  seated 
on  his  Horse,  two  legs  up,  and  two  down,  imi- 
tating a  Horse  on  a  gallop,  with  his  sword  by 
his  side,  and  his  face  toward  the  centre  of  the 
City,  as  though  he  had  just  come  from  the 
landing,  and  about  to  take  a  ride  into  the  City. 
This  Statue  of  the  King  on  his  horse,  being 
placed  on  a  stone,  piled  about  12  feet  high,  and 
completely   covered   with   Gold   leaf,  made  it 


II 


painful  to  the  Eye,  to  look  steadily  upon,  when 
the  Sun  Shone  clear,  and  bright.  But  notwith- 
standing all  this  beautiful  brightness,  the  as- 
sembled multitude,  soon  tumbled  his  Majesty, 
from  his  proud  eminence,  to  the  ground,  and 
his  carcase,  and  that  of  his  horse,  (which  was 
principally  Composed  of  Lead),  was  taken  to 
Litchfield,  Conn. — and  there  in  the  back  yard 
of  Gov.  Wolcott,  was  soon  converted  into 
Bullets  to  be  returned  back,  as  a  present  to  his 
more  Obedient,  more  faithful,  and  more  loyal 
Subjects. 

The  British  army  after  having  remained  a 
considerable  time,  in  their  position  at  Staten 
Island,  finally  made  a  movement,  and  landed 
over  on  Long  Island,  and  advanced  northward 
towards  New  York. 

Our  regiment,  commanded  by  Capt.  Doug- 
lass, together  with  most  of  the  Army,  crossed 
over  to  Long  Island,  to  oppose  them — the 
British  fleet,  at  the  same  time  advancing  by 
slow  degrees  up  towards  the  city;  all,  indicating 
a  general  attack.  But  after  maneuvering,  and 
Skirmishing  some  time  on  Long  Island,  and 
seemingly,near  the  time  of  a  decisive  struggle, 
and  general  Engagement,  all  of  a  sudden,  in 
the  night.  We  were  ordered  to  march  with  the 
utmost  stillness  to  the  Ferry,  where  we  found 


12 


all  in  confusion  and  the  Army  crossing  over  to 
New  York. 

W^e,  were  soon  embarked  and  landed  Safely 
in  the  City,  as  did  the  whole  of  the  Army  (Ex- 
cept the  Rear  Guard)  before  daylight,  and  they 
were  principally  over  before  they  were  much 
annoyed  by  the  British.  The  fleet,  by  this  time, 
had  advanced  up  near  the  Fort  on  Governor's 
Island,  where  the  Stone  Castle  now  stands. 
The  Morning  after  the  retreat  from  Long 
Island,  all  seemed  quiet,  and  still  Except  a  few 
shots  from  the  Enemy,  from  the  Bank,  at 
Brooklyn,  at  some  of  our  Boats;  but  no  firing 
from  our  side.  This  morning  a  sloop  of  War, 
came  through  Buttermilk  Channel,  between 
Governor's  Island,  and  Long  Island,  passed 
up  and  anchored  at  the  lower  End  of  Black- 
well  Island,  abreast  of  what  was  then  called 
North  Bay,  where  the  Shot  tower  now  stands, 
and  where,  at  that  time,  was  a  large  King's 
store,  which  had  contained  munitions  of  War, 
which  had  now  been  taken  away  by  his  rebel- 
ling subjects.  For  two  or  three  days  there  was 
but  little  firing.  The  Enemy  were  making 
cautious  advances  on  the  City.  General  Wash- 
ington, was  withdrawing  his  Troops  back  as 
fast  as  possible,  in  order  to  avoid  a  general 
action.     He,  knowing  the  weakness  of  his  own 


13 


Army,  had,  it  seems,  almost  invariably  made 
it  his  rule,  to  avoid  a  general  action,  by  which 
policy,  there  can  be  no  doubt,  he  finally  obtained 
the  Victory. 

The  next  day  after  the  retreat  from  Long 
Island,  Our  Regiment  was  ordered  up  to  Turtle 
Bay,  abreast  of  the  Enemy's  Ship  which  went 
up  the  day  before.  Soon  after  we  arrived  there, 
a  company  of  Our  Artillery,  with  two  field  pieces, 
came  on  to  the  Bank,  and  began  to  play  away 
upon  the  Sloop  of  War.  She  immediately  com- 
menced to  get  Springs  on  her  Cables  in  order 
to  return  the  fire.  But  before  they  could  get 
ready  to  return  a  single  shot,  they  were  glad 
to  slip  their  Cables,  and  haul  into  a  creek  behind 
Blackwell's  Island,  to  avoid  the  fire,  and  to  get 
her  on  a  careen  to  stop  leaks. 

In  about  three  days  after,  we  were  surprised 
by  a  body  of  Hessians,  who  were  close  to  us 
before  we  discovered  them,  and  they,  being  in 
a  different  uniform  from  the  British,  we  did  not 
know  them.  Our  Lieut.  Col.  (whose  name  was 
Porter)  went  out  to  them,  when  behold,  to  our 
surprise,  they  took  him  as  their  Prisoner. 

We  then  immediately  retreated  out  to  the 
Harlem  road,  and  followed  that,  to  Harlem 
Heights,  where  the  Army  was  collecting,  and 
went  to  Entrenching,  and  fortifying,  as  fast  as 


14 


possible.  The  next  morning  we  were  pursued 
by  a  party  of  the  Enemy,  and  our  regiment  was 
ordered  out  to  meet  them.  After  a  little  Skir- 
mishing they  fought  on  their  retreat,  and  while 
we  were  following  them  we  were  obliged  to  go 
over  a  large  plain  Hill  near  the  North  River. 
As  we  rose  this  hill,  the  shot  flew  thick  but  I 
escaped  unhurt,  and  returned  safe  to  camp. 
After  this,  we  seemed  to  remain  very  quiet 
being  well  entrenched,  close  in  the  neighbor- 
hood of  a  strong  fortress,  called  Fort  Wash- 
ington. Our  Troops  having  now  Evacuated 
New  York,  we  could  not  seem  to  guess,  in 
what  quarter  we  should  be  next  attacked.  But 
after  the  Expiration  of  a  few  weeks,  the  Enemy 
Embarked  their  Army  in  Water  Craft,  passed 
through  hurl  gate,  up  to  Frog's  Point,  and  there 
landed,  in  order  to  cut  off  our  Retreat. 

We  immediately  took  up  our  line  of  march, 
over  King's  Bridge,  and  out  to  White  Plains, 
where  we  took  a  position  and  went  to  fortifying. 
But  before  long  we  received  intelligence  of  the 
approach  of  our  Enemies,  and  went  out  to  meet 
them,  and  had  a  skirmish  with  them,  but  soon 
retreated  within  our  works,  where  we,  and  our 
enemies,  lay  in  plain  sight  of  Each  other,  for  a 
considerable  time,  but  as  it  appeared  that  we 
should  soon  be  attacked,  the  Camp  fires  were 


15 


well  kindled  at  night,  and  a  Rear  Guard  left  to 
keep  them  burning,  and  as  soon  as  it  was  dark, 
orders  came,  to  "Strike  Tents,  and  March''; — 
so  that  we  Stole  a  night' s  march  of  our  Enemies. 
They  had  now  become  completely  tired  of 
chasing  us,  in  order  to  bring  us  to  a  general 
action  and  therefore  bent  their  course  for  the 
North  River,  and  part  Crossed  over  into  the 
Jerseys,  and  the  rest  attacked  Fort  Washington, 
on  York  Island,  which  we  had  left  in  the  rear, 
and  took  it  after  much  blood  was  shed  in  the 
storming.  VJe  now  retreated  north,  to  a  place 
called  New  Castle,  where  we  lay  till  some  time 
in  December,  when  our  term  of  service  had 
expired,  and  we  were  discharged. 

I  then  returned  back  to  West  Haven,  thor- 
oughly sick  of  a  Soldier's  life,  determined,  if 
I  went  into  the  War  again,  to  have  my 
furniture  conveyed  without  its  being  Slung 
at  my  back. 

I  then  determined  to  try  my  fortune  Pri- 
vateering after  staying,  and  working  with  my 
Uncle,  till  the  next  Summer.  I  then  went  on 
Board  the  Privateer  Sloop  Polly,  of  12  Guns, 
Capt.  Roberts  Commander. 

Went  out  a  short  cruise  but  took  nothing, 
and  on  our  return  got  on  to  Nantucket  Shoals, 
and  came  very  near  being  lost.     The  next  day, 


16 


we  fell  in  with  Two  British  armed  schooners, 
which  drove  us  on  shore,  the  South  side  of 
Nantucket.  But  we  got  some  Guns  out  on  the 
Beach  and  prevented  their  burning  the  Sloop. 
We  afterwards  got  her  off,  and  carried  her  into 
New  Bedford,  where  I  entered  on  board  the 
Sloop  Revenge,  Isaac  Freeborn,  Commander, 
and  while  lying  in  the  Harbor  of  New  Bedford, 
in,  as  I  should  think  late  in  November,  we  were 
struck  with  Lightning,  and  one  man  killed,  and 
many  more  were  wounded,  so  that  to  all  ap- 
pearance, they  were  dead.  But  they  all  came 
too,  and  recovered.  Except  the  one  which  was 
killed,  and  he  had  no  marks  or  broken  wounds 
to  be  found  upon  him,  but  those  that  recovered 
were  more  or  less  scarrified.  I  have  always 
thought  there  was  something  remarkable  in 
this,  it  being  so  late  in  the  season,  and  a  cold 
stormy  day,  with  rain  and  snow,  and  there 
being  no  thunder.  Either  before  or  afterwards. 
I  was  myself,  at  the  time,  in  the  forecastle, 
lying  in  one  of  the  berths,  while  several  others 
were  standing  around  near  the  hatch  way,  to 
avoid  the  storm.  All  at  once  I  heard  (as  I  sup- 
posed,) one  of  the  Guns  on  Deck,  discharged, 
while  all  those  who  were  standing  before  me 
round  the  Hatch  way,  seemed  to  be  stunned, 
so  as  nearly  to  fall  backward.     Still  I  thought 


17 


of  nothing  more  than  that  one  of  the  cannons 
on  Deck  had  been  fired. 

At  length  a  great  out-cry  was  made  on  Deck, 
that  the  people  were  all  killed.  When  I  came 
on  Deck,  I  found  the  hatches  opened,  and  those 
who  were  alive  were  engaged  in  hauling  out 
those  that  appeared  to  be  dead,  from  the  Vessel's 
hole,  where  they  had  most  of  them  fled,  to  avoid 
the  palling  of  the  storm.  The  lightning  came 
down  the  mast,  and  went  directly  in  the  Hole 
where,  (on  account  of  the  storm),  most  of  the 
people  were. 

Some  time  after  this,  we  put  to  sea,  and 
cruised  off  to  the  Windward  of  Barbadoes, — 
took  a  ship  bound  to  Barbadoes, — and  carried 
her  into  Martinico — where  I  was  discharged. 
I  then  Entered  on  board  the  Brig  Fairfield 
James  Hobby,  Commander,  beat  up  to  Wind- 
ward, between  Martinico  and  St.  Lucia,  in 
company  with  the  Brig  Resistance  Capt.  Chew, 
Commander,  and  calculated  to  keep  company. 
But,  we  unfortunately  parted,  in  a  heavy  squall, 
in  the  night. 

The  next  morning  Capt.  Chew  fell  in  with  a 
Letter  of  Marque  Ship,  bound  to  Barbadoes, 
which  he  Engaged,  but  got  beat  off,  after  hard 
fighting,  and  lost  his  life  in  the  action.  Had 
we  been  with  him,  we  most  probably  should 


i8 


have  had  a  good  prize,  without  any  loss  of  life, 
on  account  of  our  superior  force.  After  cruising 
a  while,  we  returned  Home,  and  I  went  to  work 
as  usual.  After  being  some  time  at  home,  I  then 
spent  about  two  months,  on  board  the  armed 
Schooner  Miflin,  Timothy  White,  Commander. 

Our  business  was  to  cruise  the  Sound,  and  to 
guard  the  Coast  from  Whale  boats,  and  other 
Excursions  of  the  Enemy  from  Long  Island. 
My  next  cruise  was  on  board  the  Brig  Dean, 
of  i8  guns,  from  New  London,  Dan  Scoville 
Commander,  on  which  cruise  we  took  one 
prize — A  ship  from  Jamaica — carried  her  into 
New  London,  but  Benedict  Arnold  (the  Traitor) 
at  the  head  of  the  British  Troops,  soon  came 
and  destroyed  that  place,  and  our  prize  with  it, 
so  that  I  obtained — nothing. 

My  next  cruise  was  in  a  Whale  Boat,  in 
Long  Island  Sound,  Elisha  Elderkin  Com- 
mander. On  first  going  out,  we  went  down  to 
Montauk  Point,  hoping  to  fall  in  with  some 
English  Merchantmen,  bound  into  Newport, 
which  was  then  in  possession  of  the  British. 
But  not  meeting  with  any,  we  steered  to  the 
W^estern  part  of  the  Sound,  and  being  off  Nor- 
walk  Islands,  One  pleasant  Calm  morning,  in 
the  month  of  June,  we  fell  in  with  4  or  5  other 
armed  Whale  boats  and  also  a  small  Schooner 


19 


boat,  with  some  Swivels  mounted  on  the  Comb- 
ings of  the  Hatchways.  There  being  then  in 
sight  a  Sloop  becalmed,  Close  in  Shore,  under 
Long  Island  about  half  way  between  Hunting- 
ton Bay,  and  Oyster  Bay.  In  a  short  time 
someone  proposed  to  go  over  and  take  that 
Sloop,  and  tow  her  across  the  sound.  No 
sooner  said,  than  it  was  agreed  to  by  all  hands, 
and  we  were  quick  at  our  oars,  going  for  the 
Sloop,  notwithstanding  there  were  several 
Ships  of  War,  lying  in  Oyster  Bay,  all  in 
plain  sight,  and  we  in  plain  sight  of  them,  and 
they  preparing  and  manning  their  boats  to 
oppose  us.  But  notwithstanding  all  this,  Over 
we  went — took  the  Sloop — and  towed  her  with 
our  boats,  after  having  put  about  three  men 
from  each  boat  on  board  the  Sloop,  to  fight 
the  boats  which  were  coming  up  after  us.  The 
Sloop  having  some  Swivels  on  board,  we  made 
free  use  of  them.  The  boats  coming  up  after 
us,  were  about  i8  in  number,  and  probably  not 
less  than  150  men. 

But  notwithstanding  their  superiority  we 
beat  them  off,  on  the  first  attack,  and  got  the 
Sloop  almost  over  to  the  main.  But  they 
rallied  and  came  up  the  second  time,  and 
rowed  right  alongside  of  the  Sloop,  when  the 
Whale  boats  cut   their  Tow  lines,  and  made 


20 


their  escape,  and  left  us,  who  were  on  board 
the  Sloop,  to  be  taken.  Our  Enemies  then 
took  us,  and  carried  us  into  Huntington  Bay, 
and  put  us  safely  on  board  his  Majesty's  Ship, 
the  Fonry  e  of  28  Guns.  Thus  Ended  our  Whale 
Boat  Cruise,  with  a  Scotch  prize,  and  a  more 
foolish  and  fool  hardy  transaction  is  not  be 
found  upon  record,  unless  it  be  that  of  Decatur, 
in  the  destruction  of  the  frigate  Philadelphia  in 
the  harbor  of  Tripoli.  As  soon  as  they  had 
received  us  on  Board  of  this  Ship,  they  prom- 
ised to  hang  us  at  the  yard  arm.  But  this 
promise  they  did  not  fulfill  but  put  us  on  Board 
of  a  Sloop,  and  sent  us  to  New  York,  and  put 
us  on  Board  the  Good  Hope,  a  new  Prison 
Ship  then  lying  in  the  mouth  of  the  North 
River,  abreast  of  the  Ferry  way  to  Powles 
Hook  (now  Jersey  City).  The  Ferry  boats 
would  pass  us  sometimes  on  One  side,  and 
sometimes  on  the  other. 

I  thought  in  coming  down  to  New  York  that 
we  had  an  Excellent  opportunity,  to  make  our 
escape,  while  in  the  Narrows.  Nothing  but  a 
small  guard  on  board,  and  they,  and  their  arms 
lying  carelessly  about,  and  I  knew  and  I  felt  too 
that  they  could  be  very  easily  taken.  I  there- 
fore made  the  motion  to  my  fellow  prisoners, 
but  none  of  them  seemed  to  be  willing  to  join 


21 


me  in  my  undertaking,  or, — not  enough  to 
answer  any  good  purpose,  Consequently,  we 
were  therefore  Safely  placed  on  board  the 
Prison  Ship.  After  remaining  here  a  few  days, 
and  reflecting  on  my  situation,  and  considering 
that  I  had  not  had  the  Small  Pox,  and  that  most 
likely  it  would  soon  be  on  board,  and  consider- 
ing also,  that  the  Chance  of  our  Exchange  was 
Extremely  bad,  on  account  of  our  being  Whale 
boat  men  (the  worst  kind  of  Privateers  men). 
It  therefore  seemed  to  me,  as  if  some  way  of 
Escape  must  be  contrived, — but  how,  seemed 
very  difficult  to  determine,  as  at  night  we  were 
shut,  and  barred  down  under  Deck,  with  a 
guard,  and  sentinels  on  Deck,  and  only  two 
allowed  to  come  up  through  a  small  Hatch 
way  at  a  time.  At  length  the  thought  occurred 
to  me,  that  if  I  could  in  any  way,  make  peace 
with  the  sentinels,  two  of  us  might  possibly 
make  our  Escape,  by  taking  two  Oars  from 
the  fore  Castle,  where  they  were  always  placed, 
and  swim  to  the  boat,  which  was  moored  to 
the  Buoy,  of  the  Ship's  anchor,  at  Slack  tide, 
and  first  of  the  flood,  and  let  her  drop  Clear  of 
the  Shipping  with  the  tide,  and  so  get  up  the 
river,  or  over  to  the  Jersey  Shore. 

After  thinking  and  pondering  my  plan  over, 
so  that  I  felt  willing  to  make  the  attempt  my- 


22 


self,  I  revealed  my  plan  to  Capt.  Elderkin,  my 
boat  Commander,  with  whom  I  was  taken  (and 
the  only  person  on  board,  with  whom  I  was 
acquainted)  I  informed  of  the  whole  length  and 
breadth  of  my  plan,  which  was  this.     Viz 

That  as  we  drew  a  small  allowance  of  rum 
daily,  we  would  save  it,  until  we  had  got  a 
Junk  Bottle  full  with  which,  I  thought  we 
could  make  the  Sentinels  so  happy  that  we 
could  be  enabled  thereby  to  Escape. 

We  both  finally  concluded  to  make  the 
attempt. 

We  accordingly  saved  our  allowance  of 
Rum,  until  Our  bottle  was  full,  and  then  waited 
(but  with  great  impatience,)  until  as  we  thought 
a  favorable  time  had  arrived.  We  then  took 
our  bottle  and  Tin  Cup,  and  gained  our  admis- 
sion on  Deck — filled  our  Cup  well  with  Rum, 
with  a  very  little  water  to  it,  and  invited  the 
Sentinels  to  partake  with  us,  which  they  readily 
accepted,  and  repeated  their  drinks,  until  they 
became  so  happy  as  to  wholly  neglect  their 
duty,  and  suffered  the  other  Prisoners  to  come 
on  Deck  without  any  restraint,  which  caused 
much  noise  and  confusion.  Some  were  about 
making  their  Escape  by  swimming  on  Shore. 

Seeing  all  this  unthought  of  occurrence,  and 
having  lost  my  Companion  (Capt.  Elderkin)  in 


23 


the  crowd,  and  bustle,  I  begun  to  think  that  my 
chance  for  Escape  was  probably  lost,  as  I 
Expected,  Every  moment  that  the  whole  guard 
would  be  up  from  below,  and  then  a  general 
Alarm  would  be  made, — And  as  I  could  never 
Expect  another  opportunity  I  was  determined 
therefore,  if  possible  to  get  overboard  into  the 
River,  and  then  sink  or  swim.  I  then  ran  for- 
ward to  the  fore  Castle  to  get  down  by  the 
cable,  when  I  found  One  of  the  Prisoners,  just 
going  down  into  the  Water.  I  then  told  him 
that  after  he  got  into  the  water,  I  would  hand 
him  an  Oar,  and  would  bring  another  with  me, 
and  we  would  take  the  Boat  at  the  Buoy.  He 
accordingly  took  the  Oar,  and  immediately  set 
out  for  the  Boat,  at  the  Buoy,  but  I  saw  that 
he  could  not  stem  the  tide  but  drifted  up  the 
River.  I  therefore  in  my  hurry  very  foolishly, 
and  carelessly  neglected  to  take  another  Oar, 
and  came  very  near  by  that  neglect,  of  loosing 
my  life,  for  I  made  haste  down  the  Cable  and 
swam  after  him.  Immediately  after,  the  guard 
was  on  Deck,  and  made  an  alarm,  and  caught 
some  of  the  Prisoners,  a  part  of  the  way  down 
the  Cable,  and  some  in  the  Water,  some  on  the 
Wales  and  some  Elsewhere,  it  being  too  dark 
for  them  to  discover  me  in  the  water.  My 
Companion,    Capt.    Elderkin,  however,  swam 


24 


on  shore  in  New  York, — remained  there  four 
days,  was  then  taken  up  and  returned  back  on 
board  the  Prison  Ship,  so  that  none  who  at- 
temped  to  Escape,  made  out  to  get  away  Ex- 
cept myself.  Soon  after  I  got  into  the  Water 
from  the  Ship,  there  being  at  the  time  a  heavy 
tide  ripple,  I  caught  a  draft  of  Salt  Water  in 
my  mouth,  which  almost  strangled  me,  and 
while  I  was  trying  to  get  clear  of  that,  I  caught 
another,  which  really  seemed,  as  though,  would 
finish  me  soon,  and  put  an  End  to  my  bodily 
sufferings,  as  my  feet  had  got  to  hanging  almost 
strait  down,  and  I  found  myself,  in  a  drowning 
state,  and  yet  strange  as  it  may  seem  I  would 
not  call  to  the  Ship  for  help.  But  it  so  hap- 
pened, at  seemingly  the  last  moment  of  my 
life,  that  I  thought  of  the  Oar,  which  I  had 
given  to  the  man  with  me.  I  therefore  called 
on  him  for  the  Oar,  to  save  me  from  drowning, 
which  he  handed  me  immediately,  by  which 
means  my  life  was  preserved. 

After  this  we  swam  along  together,  up  the 
River  and  among  the  Shipping,  to  try  to  get  a 
Boat.  While  he  was  looking  at  one  Ship,  I 
was  looking  at  another.  As  I  was  unsuccess- 
ful in  my  search,  I  paddled  along  after  him,  and 
on  overtaking  him  at  a  Ship,  I  found  they  were 
taking  him  in.    I  lay  still  in  the  Water  listning 


25 


to  see  and  hear,  whether  they  gave  him  com- 
forting words  and  reception,  as  I  thought  if 
they  did,  I  would  apply  to  be  taken  on  Board 
too,  as  I  was  then  alone,  and  in  the  North 
River,  without  any  Boat  (Except  what  nature 
had  furnished)  and  knowing  not  which  way 
to  steer.  But  I  could  hear  nothing  which  I 
thought  would  justify  me  in  giving  myself  up. 
So  I  drifted  along  up  the  River,  sometimes 
swimming  for  the  Jersey  Shore,  then  thinking 
the  tide  might  turn  before  I  got  over,  and  carry 
me  down  into  the  Bay.  I  would  then  swim  for 
New  York  Side.  Thus  continuing  for  some- 
time, in  a  state  of  Suspense  and  wholly  un- 
determined what  to  do.  At  length  I  made  up 
my  mind  to  swim  for  New  York,  Which  I  did 
and  landed  a  little  above  the  park,  where  the 
City  Hall,  and  Court  House  now  stand,  and 
which  was  then  called  the  Bowery. 

After  landing,  I  buried  the  Oar  which  I  had 
with  me  in  the  Sand,  thinking  that  I  might  pos- 
sibly want  it  again.  I  then  crept  up  the  Bank, 
and  laid  myself  down  by  the  side  of  an  Old 
Breast  work,  which  had  been  built  by  our 
people,  and  partially  covered  myself  with 
bushes,  clods,  &c  to  keep  off  the  mosquitoes. 
I  got  but  little  sleep,  and  spent  much  of  the 
remaining  night,  in  laying  plans  to  effect  my 


26 


Escape.  I  ought  before  to  have  stated,  that 
we  left  the  Prison  Ship,  in  the  fore  part  of  the 
night,  at  about  lo  o'clock  in  the  Evening,  which 
was  quite  too  Early  for  our  safety.  But  we 
had  got  rather  impatient,  and  the  tide  seemed 
to  serve  at  that  time,  but  it  very  much  increased 
the  risk,  and  uncertainty  of  making  our  Escape. 
As  mentioned  above  I  laid  many  plans  of 
Escape.  One  was,  to  go  through  the  City  to 
the  East  River,  and  look  up  some  of  my  old 
neighbors  who  were  refugees,  and  had  j  oined  the 
British,  and  beg,  and  petition  them  for  as- 
sistance. But  as  I  was  destitute  of  Clothes 
almost  naked,  it  seemed  almost  certain,  that 
I  should  be  taken  up  immediately.  So  that 
my  only  hope  seemed  to  be,  to  keep  entirely 
out  of  Sight. 

I  concluded  therefore,  to  take  up  my  abode 
in  the  Bowery,  the  next  day,  (which  was  the 
Sabbath,  and  such  a  one  as  I  have  never  seen 
before  or  since,)  and  at  night  go  down  to  the 
River,  dig  up  my  Oar,  which  I  had  buried  in 
the  Sand,  in  the  Bank,  and  swim  off  among 
the  Shipping,  and  try  to  get  a  Boat.  At  day 
break  next  morning,  after  the  morning  Gun 
had  been  fired,  I  started  into  the  Bowery,  to 
look  for  a  safe  place  for  the  day. 

What  I  term  the  Bowery  was  a  large  tract 


27 


of  Land — a  sort  of  Cow  Pasture, — lying  on  the 
North  Riverside,  with  here  and  there  a  Clump 
of  Bushes  and  Brambles. 

At  this  time  there  was  scarce  any  buildings 
west  of  the  Park,  where  the  Court  house  now 
stands. — Nor  on  the  North  River  Side  was 
there  any,  to  nearly  down  to  the  Battery, — 
nor  any  Wharf,  unless  it  was  the  Ferry  Wharf. 
After  setting  out  as  above  mentioned,  to  find  a 
safe  retreat  for  the  day,  and  after  searching 
about  for  some  time,  I  found  a  fine  strip  of 
ground,  covered  with  grass,  and  taking  a  foot 
path,  and  following  its  windings  around  some 
ways,  among  the  Bushes  I  found  near  its  ter- 
mination, a  large  Bramble  Bush.  This  I 
thought  would  afford  a  fine  and  safe  retreat. 

I  therefore  made  me  a  passage  into  the 
middle  of  this  thicket,  by  cutting  the  Brambles 
close  to  the  ground,  and  crawling  in,  having 
some  leaves  for  my  bed. 

Here  I  lay  very  quietly,  till  some  time  in  the 
afternoon,  when  I  heard  some  persons,  in  con- 
versation, and  it  appeared  by  the  noise,  that 
they  were  approaching  me. 

I  soon  discovered,  that  it  was  a  Gentleman 
and  Lady,  who,  it  seems,  had  made  choice  of 
my  retreat  for  their  own  amusement.  They 
came  and  took  a  seat  on  the  grass,  close  to  my 


28 


feet,  and  fell  into  conversation  on  various  sub- 
jects which  however  for  a  person  in  my  situa- 
tion was  not  very  interesting.  Now  my  chance 
of  Escape,  as  I  thought,  appeared  to  me  to  be 
very  small  because  I  thought  it  almost  impos- 
sible for  them  to  leave,  and  not  discover  me. 
But  there  was  no  other  way  but  for  me  to  lie 
still,  keep  my  Eyes  nearly  closed,  and  wait  the 
Event.  At  length  the  Gentleman  happening  to 
turn  his  Eye  directly  to  where  my  feet  lay,  dis- 
covered them.  After  piquing  (and  peeking)  a 
little  closer,  he  says  to  the  Lady,  there  is  a 
Boy,  lying  in  the  Bushes.  This  seemed  rather 
to  discompose  her  Ladyship.  But  he  still  con- 
tinued peeking  and  peeking,  and  finally  sings 
out  Yo  ho —  Yo  ho — .  But  I  lay  motionless, 
making  no  answer.  He  then  speaks  to  the 
Lady,  and  says  by  G-d,  I  believe  he  is  dead, — 
upon  which  they  both  retired,  and  to  my  great 
Joy,  I  saw  the  last  of  them. 

After  they  were  gone,  for  fear  they  might 
return  again,  with  a  reinforcement,  I  scrambled 
out,  and  sought  a  new  retreat,  and  found  One, 
in  which  I  remained  quietly  till  night,  and  then 
went  down  to  the  River,  in  order  to  swim  off 
and  try  to  obtain  a  boat  among  the  shipping. 

But  the  wind  being  fresh  from  South  West, 
and  considerable  sea,  I  became   discouraged. 


29 


and  went  up  the  Bank,  to  my  resting  place  the 
night  before,  and  lay  down  in  the  same  man- 
ner, for  the  night,  but  without  tasting  any  food, 
or  Drink  Since  leaving  the  Ship,  and  then  only 
Prisoners'  allowance. 

This  night  was  principally  spent  in  trying  to 
contrive  some  new  plan  of  Escape.  And  I 
finally  concluded  to  try  to  get  up  the  Island  to 
Harlem,  and  then  swim  over  Harlem  Creek, 
on  to  the  main  land,  as  I  thought,  If  I  could 
only  set  my  foot  on  the  main  and  ten  feet  from 
the  point  of  a  Bayonet,  I  should  be  happy.  So 
after  wearing  away  the  second  night,  at  the 
firing  of  the  morning  Gun,  I  steered  up  the 
Island,  keeping  in  the  Woods,  of  which, 
at  this  time,  there  was  considerable  on  the 
North  River  Side.  I  worked  along  undis- 
covered by  any  body,  for  some  time,  until  I 
began  to  meet  with  Soldiers'  Encampments, 
the  British  army  having  just  returned  from 
Philadelphia,  and  Encamped  on  York  Island. 
Here  I  found  my  plan  Entirely  frustrated,  and 
I  must  therefore  look  for  a  safe  place  of  Retreat 
for  the  day.  I  therefore  got  near  the  North 
River,  and  found  a  thicket  of  wood  and  bushes, 
with  a  small  high  Hill  in  the  midst  of  them, 
covered  with  thick  brush  wood.  On  the  top 
of  this  hill,  I  took  up  my  abode  for  the  day, 


30 


not  knowing  which  way  to  turn,  only,  hoping, 
that  I  might  discover  some  kind  of  ^A/'ate^ 
Craft,  come  along  and  land,  so  that  I  might 
obtain  it,  and  get  over  to  the  Jersey  side.  Still 
feeling  determined  to  make  my  Escape,  or  die 
in  the  Attempt.  The  day  passed  away  and  no 
pleasing  prospect,  only  for  a  short  time,  and 
that  was  only  that  of  two  men,  who  came  near 
my  lodgment,  to  mowing,  and  I  had  some  hopes 
of  obtaining  their  dinners,  by  stealth,  but  was 
disappointed.  But  when  night  came  on,  I  went 
to  their  hay,  and  stowed  myself  away  in  one  of 
the  Cocks,  and  notwithstanding  my  awful  situa- 
tion, I  had  a  comfortable  night's  rest,  and  did 
not  awake  till  rather  late  the  next  morning. 
But  on  awaking,  and  getting  up  I  spread  the 
hay  pretty  thorouly.  I  then  retreated  to  my 
hiding  place  for  the  day.  Here,  I  seemed  to 
feel  tolerably  safe  from  my  Enemies.  But, 
Oh!  Hunger,  and  Thirst,  they  would  find  me, 
and  it  seemed  as  though  I  must  perish  by 
starvation,  having  had  no  food  since  leaving 
the  Ship.  Here  I  had  a  long  summer's  day  of 
it,  in  the  month  of  July,  before  me,  which  was 
diligently  Employed,  in  thinking  of  my  present 
situation,  of  my  willingness  to  meet  Death,  and 
whether  I  was  prepared  to  meet  my  Judge  in 
peace.     This  long  day  finally  drew  to  a  close. 


31 


and  no  help  for  me,  by  obtaining  any  kind  of 
Water  Craft,  and  night  coming  on,  I  laid  my- 
self down  on  the  ground  to  rest,  the  4th  night, 
with  a  few  boughs  of  the  trees  for  a  covering. 
I  spent  the  principal  part  of  the  night,  in  trying 
to  contrive  some  new  mode  of  Escape,  unless 
I  could  obtain  some  Water  the  next  day.  But 
finally  I  could  see  no  possible  way,  unless  I 
could  swim  the  North  River,  and  reach  the 
Jersey  Shore.  But  this  appeared  indeed  like 
a  forlorn  hope,  but  it  really  seemed  also,  as 
though  this  was  the  only,  and  the  very  last 
hope,  if  hope  it  might  be  called. 

Finally,  the  morning  Gun  announced  the 
approach  of  day,  and  soon  the  Sun  appeared, 
and  the  day  commenced,  and  mankind  went  to 
their  several  occupations  and  Employments. 

But  Oh!  miserable  Employment  for  me,  to 
think  of  my  Empty  Stomach,  my  pinched  up 
frame,  and  of  my  present  prospects. 

Then  to  look  at  the  distance  to  the  Jersey 
Shore,  and  the  yawning  gulph  between  that 
and  me,  and  then  to  think  of  gaining  the  other 
side  by  swimming.  But  some  hope  still  re- 
mained, that  some  other  way  would  be  pro- 
vided. All  the  fore  part  of  the  day  passed 
away  much  as  before,  and  no  prospect  of  any 
relief,  and  I  began   to   blame   myself,  for  not 


32 


having  made  the  attempt  before,  as  I  had  now 
been  without  food,  for  such  a  length  of  time,  I 
thought  my  strength  must  be  nearly  gone, 
insomuch  that  there  could  be  but  little  hope  of 
my  Ever  reaching  the  Jersey  Shore,  by  swim- 
ming, and  I  began  to  be  impatient  to  have 
night  come  on,  so  that  I  might  be  on  my  way 
for  the  other  side.  The  place  where  I  lay  on 
York  Island,  is  a  little  below  a  spot  of  high 
land,  on  the  Jersey  Side,  and  about  opposite 
Hoboken.  On  and  near  the  high  land  which 
was  within  the  Enemy's  Lines,  a  number  of 
people  or  British  Soldiers,  were  Employed  in 
cutting  wood  for  the  Enemy,  and  in  the  course 
of  the  day,  a  party  of  American  Troops  came 
down,  and  fired  on  them,  and  drove  them  off, 
and  then  returned  back  within  their  ov/n  Lines. 
The  day  being  now  far  spent,  and  the  night 
approaching,  I  now  began  to  get  myself  in 
readiness,  for  my  dangerous  undertaking,  by 
looking  to  God  for  assistance,  and  protection, 
and  by  committing  myself  wholly  to  his  care, 
and  keeping,  and  by  mustering  up  all  my 
remaining  strength,  and  courage. 

Of  the  latter,  however  there  was  not  much 
need,  as  I  was  so  determined  to  make  my 
Escape,  or  die  in  the  attempt,  that  I  was  totally 
devoid  of  any  such  thing  as  fear. 


33 


At  length  the  sun  fell  behind  the  Western 
hills  and  the  day  closed.  At  about  a  half  an 
hour  after  sun  set,  I  crept  down  into  the  River, 
and  set  my  face  for  the  Jersey  Shore.  But  after 
swimming  out  a  little  way  into  the  river,  I 
could  see  and  hear  a  number  of  men  just  below 
me,  which  I  supposed  were  the  Enemy's  guard. 
I  now  thought  I  had  been  too  anxious,  and  had 
set  out  too  soon.  But  providentially  they  did 
not  discover  me,  Or,  if  they  did,  they  doubtless 
thought  me  nothing  more  than  a  seal.  I  pur- 
sued my  course  moderately  and  steadily  for 
the  other  side.  It  being  a  starlight  night,  I 
could  discover  the  high  land  on  the  other  side. 
I  passed  near  one  vessel,  lying  at  anchor,  but 

1  supposed  them  to  be  Enemies.  I  therefore 
did  not  disturb  them.  So  I  passed  on  my  way, 
undisturbed,  until  as  I  should  judge,  between 

2  and  3  o'clock  when  to  my  unspeakable  joy,  I 
found  bottom  with  my  feet. 

I  scrambled  up,  but  soon  found,  that  I  could 
not  stand  having  been  so  long  in  the  water, 
that  my  strength  was  almost  Entirely  Ex- 
hausted. However,  I  soon  crept  up  the  Bank, 
where  I  joyfully,  and  I  do  hope  thankfully  to 
my  great  Preserver,  spent  the  remaining  mo- 
ments of  the  night,  and  also  in  listening  to  see 
if  I  could  hear  any  of  the  Enemies'   Guards 


34 


near  me.  At  length  the  morning  appeared. 
And  a  pleasant  one  to  me  to  find  myself  safe 
on  this  side  of  the  flood.  And  I  also  found,  that, 
my  strength  (notwithstanding  my  long  fasting) 
had  returned  in  such  abundance  that  I  felt  as 
though  I  could  leap  any  fence  whatever,  if 
necessary,  and  that  I  feared  not  the  face  of 
Clay,  let  it  come  in  what  shape  it  would,  nor 
the  musket  ball  either.  I  now  mounted  the 
hill,  and  took  a  last  look  at  the  little  city  of 
New  York, — the  shipping, — and  Especially  of 
the  Prison  Ship,  from  which  I  had  Escaped.  I 
then  shaped  my  course  as  near  as  I  could 
judge.  Northwest,  thinking  that  course  would 
carry  me  the  soonest  out  of  the  Enemy's  Lines, 
and  set  out  on  a  quick  pace,  through  the  Woods 
and  bushes.  Endeavoring  to  avoid  all  roads  and 
highways.  After  travelling  some  distance  I 
came  on  to  a  high  spot  of  land,  where  I  could 
see  the  river,  and  Salt  marsh,  which  puts  up 
beyond,  or,  West  of  Powles'  Hook,  and  runs 
bowing  round,  as  it  appeared  to  me,  to  the 
North  East,  and  that,  I  concluded,  was  the 
Extent  of  the  Enemy's  lines.  I  went  on  with 
a  quick  pace,  for  the  marsh,  intending  to  swim 
the  river.  I  soon  arrived  at  a  thicket  of 
bushes,  which  lay  along  side  of  the  meadow 
and  went  into  this  swamp  immediately,  feeling 


35 


determined  to  go  through.  After  proceeding 
some  ways  in  this  thicket,  I  found  that  the 
Briars,  and  scratch  grass,  had  cut  and  wounded 
my  feet  to  such  a  degree,  that  I  was  obHged  to 
stop  and  try  to  get  back,  which  I  did,  after 
much  difficulty.  After  getting  out  of  this  horrid 
place,  I  kept  round  to  the  North  East,  by  the 
Side  of  the  Swamp,  and  up  land,  looking  for  a 
place  to  approach  the  Meadow.  At  length  I 
came  to  a  place,  where  a  narrow  neck  of  land, 
put  out  into  the  Salt  Meadow,  apparently  nearly 
across  it,  with  a  building  at  the  End,  which  I 
thought  might  be  a  tide  Mill,  and  a  dwelling 
House,  about  half  way  to  it.  I  thought  I  would 
go  to  the  farthest  building,  and  if  a  Mill,  I  might 
go  over  the  River  on  the  dam  So  I  walked 
along  very  slowly  towards  the  house,  and  at 
the  same  time,  heard  a  drum  beat  a  little  back, 
and  keeping  a  steady  look  at  the  house.  I 
observed,  that  the  people  would  come  to  the 
door, — stand,  and  look  apparently  at  me,  for  a 
moment,  and  then  turn  about,  and  run  in. 
Then  others  would  come  and  do  the  same.  At 
this,  I  began  to  be  very  suspicious  that  trouble 
was  brewing  for  me,  as  I  did  not  like  to  be  so 
much  noticed.  I  therefore  immediately  took 
down  to  the  River,  and  swam  across  to  the 
opposite  bank,  in   the  Salt  Meadow.     By  this 


36 


time  there  was  quite  a  number  collected  down 
on  the  side  of  the  River,  which  I  had  just  left, 
but  I  bid  them  defiance,  and  went,  pretty  lively, 
over  a  large  tract  of  Salt  Meadow,  into  the 
Woods.  After  having  travelled  some  way, 
across  the  fields,  and  after  thinking,  that  I  was 
now,  most  probably,  out  of  the  Enemy's  lines, 
and  that  this  River  was  the  boundary,  I  felt 
very  desirous  to  make  some  Enquiry,  having 
seen  no  person  until  now,  since  leaving  the 
Ship,  Except  the  Gentleman  and  Lady,  above 
mentioned,  and  the  two  men  mowing  hay. 

At  length  as  I  was  travelling  across  the  fields, 
(as  I  had  avoided  hitherto  all  roads  and  high- 
ways,) I  saw  a  Negro,  going  apparently  to  his 
Work.  I  noticed  the  course  he  appeared  to  be 
going,  and  forelaid  him,  intending  to  make  the 
necessary  inquiries,  and  if  he  appeared  dis- 
posed to  do  me  harm,  to  just  knock  him  down, 
and  stiffen  him,  sufficiently  for  me  to  make  my 
Escape.  Accordingly,  I  came  up  to  him,  and 
Enquired,  where  the  British  lines  were?  and 
where  the  American  troops  were  ? 

He  said  that  the  British  were  over  the  River, 
which  I  had  just  crossed,  and  that  the  Amer- 
icans were  down  the  day  before,  and  drove 
off  the  Wood  Cutters,  and  that  there  was  no 
danger   here   Massa.       What   he   said   about 


37 


Wood  Cutters  I  knew  to  be  true,  as  I  saw  and 
heard  it,  while  on  the  opposite  side  of  the 
River.  We  then  parted — the  Negro  pursued 
his  course,  and  I  steered  for  the  nearest  road 
I  could  find,  for  it  was  the  first  time  I  had 
wished  for  a  road,  since  landing  from  the 
prison  Ship. 

Now  for  the  moment  my  happiness  appeared 
to  be  complete,  and  I  hastened  my  steps, 
thinking  what  comfort  I  should  now  take,  in 
having  my  liberty,  and  once  more  to  walk  in 
the  plain  highway  in  perfect  safety.  But  before 
I  had  enjoyed  much  of  this  anticipated  com- 
fort, all  at  once  I  began  to  feel  my  feet  and 
legs  to  be  very  sore,  and  when  I  came  to 
search  them,  I  found  they  were  much  cut  with 
Scratch  Grass  and  Briars.  My  strength  also 
began  to  fail  me,  and  my  back,  to  smart,  by 
the  Blisters,  which  had  been  made  by  the  Sun 
as  my  clothing  was  little  more  than  the  collar, 
and  Shoulder  Straps,  of  my  Frock,  and  the 
Waistbands  of  my  trousers,  the  Whale  boat 
having  carried  off  all  my  Clothes,  Except  what 
was  on  my  back,  at  the  time  of  our  capture. 
After  gaining  the  Highway  I  travelled  on  but 
a  little  distance,  before  I  seemed  to  be  gone  in 
Every  part,  and  was  obliged  to  lie  down  by 
the  Fence,  and  it  seemed  as  though  I  never 


38 


could  get  to  a  house,  although  there  was  a 
number  in  sight,  and  no  great  distance  off.  So 
I  tried  to  get  along  by  walking  a  little  way, 
and  then  lying  down,  to  try  to  gain  strength, 
and  then  walking  again  &c.  At  length  I  saw 
three  men,  cradling  grain,  in  a  field  near  by, 
and  feeling  now,  as  though  I  was  perfectly 
safe,  I  got  over  the  fence,  and  went  immediately 
to  them,  and  found  them  to  be,  a  Dutchman, 
and  two  of  his  Sons.  I  immediately  addressed 
the  father,  and  begged  assistance  as  I  was  in 
a  perishing  situation.  He  immediately  looked 
at  me  with  a  stern,  and  unfriendly  look,  and 
demanded  to  know  where  I  came  from.  I  at 
once  told  him,  that  I  had  been  a  prisoner  in 
New  York,  and  had  run  away  from  the  prison 
Ship,  from  which  I  had  Escaped  by  swimming 
ashore  in  New  York,  and  then  by  swimming 
across  the  North  River,  by  which,  means  I 
had  got  as  far  as  here.  He  then  hung  his 
cradle  on  his  arm,  and  advanced  towards 
me,  and,  as  appeared  to  me,  with  a  much 
more  angry  countenance  than  before,  and 
said,  ^^he  did  not''  ^^believe  a  word  that  I  said'', 
and  then  again  demanded  to  know  where  I 
came  from,  with  a  severe  caution  to  tell  the 
truth. 

I  very  soon,  after  my  first  speaking  to  him, 


39 


began  to  be  frightened,  and  was  very  careful 
to  retreat  fast  enough,  to  keep  out  of  the  reach 
of  his  scythe.  And  I  found  also,  as  my  fright 
increased,  by  the  appearance  of  danger,  that 
my  strength,  and  activity  increased  also,  so 
that  I  felt  no  more  of  my  late  weakness,  and 
sores  but  perfectly  able,  for  almost  any  con- 
test, be  it  ever  so  formidable,  and  fully  deter- 
mined never  to  be  taken  alive.  I  therefore 
kept  on  the  retreat  toward  the  road,  from 
whence  I  came,  and  got  almost  back  to  the 
fence,  when  all  at  once,  the  Old  Gentleman 
altered  his  tone,  and  language,  and  as  I  then 
thought.  Even  his  looks,  and  said,  ''That  he 
was  my  friend,  but  he  was  afraid  of  me,  and 
thought  I  might  be  a  Spy  from  the  Enemy, 
and  that  I  came  with  this  story,  only  to  deceive 
and  Ensnare  him,  for  if  he  treated  me  kindly, 
it  might  serve  as  an  Excuse  for  the  British 
who  were  his  neighbors  to  come,  and  strip  him 
of  Every  thing  he  had.  But  he  was  now  satis- 
fied, that  I  was  no  spy,  and  I  need  not  be  afraid 
of  him, — that  he  was  my  friend,  and  would 
give  me  any  assistance,  that  I  wanted".  This 
he  said,  I  believe  I  may  say,  with  tears  in  his 
Eyes,  and  yet,  with  all  he  could  say,  and  do, 
I  could  not  get  rid  of  the  fright  he  had  given 
me.     He  finally  persuaded  me,  to  take  some 


40 


of  his  drink,  which,  I  think  was  beer,  and  then 
urged  me  to  go  to  his  House,  and  get  some 
food.  I  asked  him  which  his  house  was.  He 
pointed  me  right  towards  the  Enemy's  lines, 
and  I  refused  to  go  that  way.  He  then  said, 
that  he  would  go  with  me,  over  to  a  spot  of 
high  ground,  and  point  me  out  the  way  to  his 
sons  House,  where  I  could  call,  and  give  his 
name,  and,  they  would  give  me  assistance. 
So  we  walked  on  together,  and  on  the  way,  he 
got  some  strips  of  bark,  and  tried  to  tie  up 
some  of  the  holes  in  my  frock,  and  to  cover 
the  blisters  which  the  Sun  had  made,  and 
began  again  to  try  to  persuade  me  to  go  with 
him  to  his  house.  At  length  he  prevailed  on 
me  to  give  my  consent,  though  very  unwill- 
ingly. On  our  way,  he  asked  me,  if  I  could 
talk  Dutch.  I  told  him,  I  could  not.  As  soon 
as  we  got  to  the  House,  he,  and  his  Wife  began 
to  gabber  away  in  Dutch,  at  a  great  rate.  This 
again,  made  me  more  fearful,  that  I  might  soon 
see  the  Enemy  Enter  the  Door.  The  Old  Gentle- 
man said,  he  would  only  give  me  to  Eat,  some 
Suppaum  (or,  Hasty  pudding,  in  English,)  as  I 
had  been  so  long  without  food,  he  said,  he 
thought,  it  would  kill  me,  to  Eat  hearty  food. 
This,  I  presume  was  Correct,  as  it  was  as 
much   as  I   could  do,  to    bear   up,  under  the 


41 


Suppaum.  After  I  had  finished  my  meal,  he 
gave  me  a  Shirt,  Waistcoat,  and  trousers.  I 
went  out  into  his  garden  took  off  my  collar  and 
Waistband  (which  although  small,  I  believe 
contained  some  inhabitants,)  threw  them  away, 
and  put  on  my  new  suit.  He  then  tied  me  up, 
some  bread  and  cheese,  in  a  handkerchief,  to 
carry  in  my  hand,  to  bite  at,  by  the  way,  for 
he  said,  I  had  better  not  call  by  the  way,  any 
more  than  was  absolutely  necessary,  as  they 
had  an  abundance  of  Tories,  Horse  theives, 
&c,  and  I  should  be  in  great  danger  of  being 
taken  up,  and  carried  back.  All  this  frightened 
me  to  such  a  degree,  that  my  strength  never 
forsook  me  again  till  I  got  it  recruited  with 
food.  He  then  gave  me  two  dollars  in  money, 
and  offered  me  a  horse  and  a  boy,  to  carry  me 
on  to  his  sons  house.  This  I  refused,  for 
strange  as  it  my  appear,  after  all  this  kindness, 
I  could  not  get  entirely  clear  of  the  fright  he 
had  first  given  me,  and  I  felt  very  anxious  to 
be  on  my  way,  so  as  to  get  a  little  farther  from 
the  Enemy's  lines.  I  therefore  proceeded  on 
as  fast  as  possible,  and  did  not  forget  to  call  at 
his  sons,  where  I  got  some  more  food,  and  a 
line  to  the  next  Justice  of  the  Peace,  for  a  pass, 
and  recommendation  for  Charity  in  the  way  of 
food.    I  then  proceeded— obtained  my  Pass  and 


42 


then  travelled  on — keeping  the  Highway,  and 
carrying  a  substancial  Hickory  Cane,  or  Club, 
for  my  staff,  meaning  to  use  it  if  I  was  seriously 
interrupted. 

Several  people,  in  the  course  of  the  after- 
noon. Enquired,  where  I  came  from.  But  my 
answers  would  be  but  little,  choosing  to  keep 
steadily  along,  till  towards  night,  when  I  fell 
in  with  two  men,  who  seemed  to  be  very  in- 
quisitive. One,  in  particular,  who  appeared  to 
be  chief  spokesman,  and  kept  nearest  to  me. 
The  other  kept  a  little  in  the  rear.  The  one 
nearest  me,  kept  pretty  Close  to  me,  and 
was  very  inquisitive.  Wanted  to  know  from 
whence  I  came,  and  where  I  was  going.  At 
length  I  gave  him  the  whole  history — where  I 
was  from — how  I  had  been  taken — how  I  had 
made  my  Escape, — Where  I  was  going  &c.  and 
that  I  wanted  to  get  to  the  American  Guard, 
as  quick  as  possible  He  said  he  was  going 
that  way,  and  he  would  accompany  me,  but 
the  best  way,  was  to  go  across  lots.  Accord- 
ingly, we  got  over  the  fence,  and  went  but  a 
little  way,  (there  being  no  path)  I  told  him, 
that  as  my  feet  were  so  sore,  I  had  rather  keep 
the  Road.  So  I  turned  about  and  again  took 
the  Highway.  He  observed  that  as  I  was  a 
stranger,  he   would   be   my   Company  round. 


43 


This  however,  did  not  please  me,  as  I  had  much 
rather  be  alone,  for  then  I  felt  more  safe,  and 
Especially  as  I  began  to  have  some  suspicion 
of  him,  and  his  Companion. 

After  gaining  the  Highway,  we  walked  on 
together,  the  Stranger  at  my  left  hand  and  my 
staff  in  my  right  hand,  and  his  companion 
keeping  a  little  in  the  rear.  We  had  not  gone 
far,  before  the  One  nearest  me,  wished  me  to 
let  him  have  my  Staff.  On  my  refusal,  he  told 
me,  he  must  take  me  up,  and  that  I  must  go  no 
farther,  and  on  my  Stepping  a  little  farther  off, 
he  caught  a  stake  out  of  the  fence  as  handily 
it  appeared  to  me,  as  if  it  had  been  put  there 
on  purpose,  and  ordered  me  to  stop,  or,  he 
would  knock  me  down.  The  other  man  (his 
companion,)  singing  out  to  him  all  the  while 
''Knock  him  down!  Knock  him  down!"  In 
such  a  situation,  there  was  no  time  to  be  lost, 
and  I  being  out  of  the  reach  of  his  Stake,  Set 
off,  at  full  speed,  and  they,  both  of  them,  after 
me.  One  crying  out.  Stop!  or,  I'll  knock  you 
down;  the  other  saying  Knock  him  down; 
Knock  him  down.  I  did  not  run  far,  before 
I  looked  round,  and  found  that  I  had  left 
them  far  in  the  rear,  and  being  on  a  high 
spot  of  land,  I  looked  ahead,  where  was  a 
large  spacious  valley,  with  a  thicket  or  Swamp, 


44 


about  in  the  middle  of  it,  and  beyond  it  a 
large  Spot  of  woods.  To  this  Swamp,  I  now 
directed  my  course,  thinking  I  would  pass 
directly  through  it,  and  pass  the  night  in  the 
woods  beyond.  Accordingly  I  entered  the 
swamp,  but  soon  found  it  necessary  to  stop  in 
order  to  rest  and  get  breath.  After  getting  a 
little  rested,  I  pursued  my  course  through,  and 
on  coming  out  on  the  other  side,  I  found  my- 
self coming  into  a  strip  of  cleared  land.  I  im- 
mediately thought  it  possible,  that  my  pursuers, 
might  go  round  the  swamp,  while  I  was  rest- 
ing, as  they  could  plainly  see  where  I  went, 
and  way  lay  me  on  my  coming  out. 

I  therefore  came  out  very  still,  looking  care- 
fully Each  way,  to  see  if  I  could  discover  them. 
At  length,  I  saw  them,  standing  still,  by  the  side 
of  the  swamp,  a  listening. 

I  immediately  turned  right  about — Went 
back — and  out  of  the  swamp  at  the  same  place 
at  which  I  came  in,  and  travelled  on,  and 
arrived  at  the  American  Guard,  that  night, 
where  I  tarried  till  next  morning,  and  then  set 
out,  and  travelled  on  to  the  North,  towards 
Kings  ferry  (as  I  think  it  was  called)  where  I 
crossed  the  North  River,  and  after  this  trav- 
elled on  unmolested,  till  I  arrived  at  home, — or 
at  My  Uncle  Stevens's  as  I  had  no  other  home. 


45 


My  friends,  on  my  arrival,  appeared  almost 
as  much  surprised,  as  if  one  had  rose  from  the 
dead,  as  they  supposed  my  Escape  to  be  next 
to,  utterly  impossible. 

In  all  my  way,  after  leaving  the  American 
Guard,  I  was  fully  supplied  with  food,  by  the 
Charity  of  the  people  on  the  Road.  Sometimes 
I  would  Eat  two  or  three  times  before  noon,  as 
the  people  would  meet  me  on  the  Road,  or  see 
me  from  their  houses,  and  on  Enquiring  who  I 
was — where  from — &c,  would  immediately  in- 
vite me  in  to  the  House,  to  Eat  and  to  drink, 
so  that  I  never  begged  at  all.  Having  money 
in  my  pocket,  I  would  call  at  the  tavern,  when 
necessary,  for  what  I  wanted,  and  before  I  had 
finished  my  meal,  they  would  Enquire  out  my 
History,  and  this  would  satisfy  them,  so  that 
they  would  not  take  any  pay.  So  that  I  never 
spent  any  of  the  money  which  my  good  friend, 
the  Dutchman,  gave  me.  Except  what  I  paid 
for  my  ferryiage  at  Stratford  Ferry,  over  the 
Houstonic  River.  This  Dutch  friend's  name 
was  Oliver  Bontz,  and  this  friend,  I  have  much 
wanted  to  see,  ever  since,  and  have  many 
times  Contemplated  a  Journey,  on  purpose, 
although  I  cannot  now,  at  this  long  period 
(about  40  years)  Ever  Expect  to  see  him  any 
more  in  this  world,  as  he  must  have  long  since 


46 


been  in  his  grave.  Yet  I  do  hope  he  is  now 
in  possession  of  a  more  peaceful,  and  happy 
mansion,  than  the  one,  in  which,  he  so  kindly 
entertained  Me,  while  in  this  world. 

After  getting  safely  home  from  this  haz- 
ardous cruise,  and  having  some  time  for  reflec- 
tion, I  began  to  take  a  retrospective  view,  of 
my  life,  and  Employments  thus  far,  and  par- 
ticularly, of  the  business  of  privateering,  in 
which  I  had  been  considerably  Engaged.  After 
recollecting  how  I  had  seen  the  Boats  go  from 
the  Privateer  to  which  I  belonged,  on  board  of 
Neutral  Vessels,  and  plunder  them,  under  false 
colors,  and  other  outrageous  acts, — I  came  to 
the  conclusion,  that  Privateering,  was  nothing 
better  than  Highway  Robbery,  under  the  Pro- 
tection of  Law,  and  that  forcibly  taking  the 
property  of  peaceable,  unoffending  Citizens, 
and  squandering  it  away,  (as  is  usually  done, 
by  Privateers  men,)  is  worse  than  lost  to  the 
whole  Community,  and  cannot  be  justified,  in 
a  moral  point  of  View,  and  as  I  had,  in  some 
good  degree.  Escaped  the  Neutral  Effects  of 
such  a  calling,  I  came  to  the  determination  to 
follow  it  no  more,  but  to  follow  the  sea,  in  the 
Merchant  service,  and  only  to  act  on  the  de- 
fensive, if  use  was  to  be  made  of  Weapons,  at  all. 

It  now  occurred  to  my  mind,  that  I  had  not 


47 


had  the  small  pox.  I  therefore  thought  it  best 
for  me,  to  have  it,  by  Innoculation,  and  there 
being  no  place  at  that  time  near  home,  where 
I  could  have  it,  I  therefore  set  off  alone, — Went 
to  Killingsworth,  where  I  supposed,  there  was 
a  Pock  House,  on  Duck  Island. 

But  when  I  came  there  I  found,  that  the 
House  had  lately  been  burnt  by  the  Refugees. 
But  they  had  Erected  a  new  house,  for  the 
same  purpose.  North  of  the  Main  Road, — back 
in  the  Woods,  and  that  it  was  nearly  com- 
pleted. Doc  Ely,  who  was  the  Physician, 
took  me  into  his  own  house,  and  innoculated 
me,  together  with  one  other  young  man,  who 
came  just  at  this  time,  and,  for  the  same  pur- 
pose. I  told  the  Doct.  that  if  I  did  not  have 
more  pock,  than  some  had,  I  should  not  be  at 
all  satisfy'd,  as  to  my  safety  from,  the  disease. 
He  then  looked  at  me,  with  a  smiling  counte- 
nance and  said, — He  would  venture  to  insure 
me  that  I  should  be  satisfied  on  that  part, 
before  I  got  through.  We  staid  at  his  house 
until  we  began  to  have  the  symptoms.  We 
then  went  into  the  new  Pock  House  with  an 
Old  Lady  for  our  nurse. 

The  first  symptom  which  I  felt,  was  a 
sore  Throat,  and  this  continued  very  severe, 
throughout  the  whole  time,  my  mouth,  and 


48 


throat,  being  full  of  Pock,  and  also  my  whole 
body,  Especially  my  face,  which  was  so  full, 
and  so  Swollen,  that  I  could  not  see.  The  Pock 
was  very  large  and  full,  but  at  this  time,  I  had 
to  be  considerably  worried  by  the  Doctors 
making  the  Enquiry,  Every  time  he  came  in, — 
Whether  I  was  satisfied  that  I  had,  or  should 
have  Pock  Enough.  The  other  young  man 
had  only  two  or  three  Pock,  and  they  so  small 
as  hardly  to  be  seen. 

If  I  had,  had  no  more  appearance  of  Small 
Pox,  and  we  having  been  in  a  House,  where 
there  was  no  infection,  I  should  not  have  felt 
satisfied.  And  this  is  not  to  be  wondered  at, 
as  but  a  little  before,  there  was  a  number  of 
my  neighbors  who  were  innoculated,  and  went 
through  a  sort  of  process — pronounced  safe  by 
the  Doctor, — came  home — and  in  a  few  days, 
were  taken  down  with  Small  Pox,  the  natural 
way,  and  came  very  near  losing  their  lives. 
But  I  had  now,  got  safely  through,  and  was 
glad,  I  had,  had  it  hard,  since  I  had  got 
through  with  the  pain  and  soreness,  so  that  I 
set  out  for  home,  and  arrived  in  Safety,  at  my 
Uncle  Stevens's  where  I  remained  at  work 
with  him  some  time. 

At  length,  although  I  had  become  sick  of  a 
Soldier's  life,  yet,  as  there  was  a  Company  of 


49 


Artillery,  raised  in  New  Haven,  under  the 
command  of  Capt.  Bradley,  which  was  to  be 
stationed  in,  and  about  New  Haven,  for  the 
defence  of  the  town,  and  thinking  that  this 
duty  would  be  rather  easier,  than  it  had  been, 
in  some  former  Campaigns,  I  therefore  En- 
listed in  this  Company  about  the  first  of  March 
1779  and  remained  in  the  Same  for  about  eight 
months.  My  place  of  service,  was  my  native 
Village  (West  Haven)  under  the  immediate 
Command  of  Lieut.  Azil  Himberly,  the  Com- 
pany being  divided  into  three  divisions.  One 
on  the  East  Haven  side  of  the  Harbor,  one 
on  West  Haven  side,  and  the  other  in  New 
Haven.  While  I  was  serving  in  this  Company 
the  Enemy  made  a  visit  to  New  Haven,  and 
landed  on  the  Old  Field  Shore.  The  night, 
that  they  came,  it  happened  to  be  my  tour  of 
duty,  on  Guard,  at  the  House,  then  owned  by 
Dea.  Josiah  Piatt.  Now  the  Property  and  resi- 
dence of  Mr.  Wilmot.  Not  far  from  midnight 
we  had  news,  that  a  large  fleet  of  the  Enemy's 
ships,  were  in  the  sound,  and  it  was  thought 
they  were  destined  for  New  Haven.  Soon, 
myself,  and  some  others  of  the  Guard,  Extended 
our  walk,  down  to  Clarke's  Point. 

After  staying  there  some  time,  (it  being  a 
star  light  night,)  we  discovered  the  fleet  stand- 


50 


ing  in  to  the  Eastward  Close  in  to  the  shore, — 
with  a  light  breeze  of  wind,  off  the  land.  We 
followed  them  along,  to  the  Eastward,  watch- 
ing their  maneuvers,  till  the  came  to  an 
anchor,  off  the  Old  Field  Shore,  a  little  before 
day.  I  then  hastened  up  to  my  Uncle  Stevens's 
to  inform  them  of  the  impending  danger,  but 
they  were  Extremely  incredulous,  and  were 
not  willing  nor  disposed  to  believe  there  was 
much  of  any  danger,  as  they  had  so  often,  been 
anchoring  along  Shore,  and  causing  frequent, 
and  unnecessary  alarms.  I  told  them,  that 
they  must  be  up  very  soon,  and  get  their  break- 
fast, if  they  meant  to  have  it  at  home,  in  peace, 
and  I  should  and  did  advise  them,  to  pack  up, 
and  hide  some  of  their  Valuable,  and  handy 
articles  of  Clothing  &c.  for  fear  of  the  Worst. 
As  I  intended  to  try  to  save  what  little  Clothing 
I  had.  I  then  tied  up  my  few  clothes  in  a  Hand- 
kerchief, carried  them  out,  and  buried  them. 
Then  mustered  up  what  amunition  I  had, 
Crossed  into  the  other  Street,  where  myself, 
and  about  three  others,  obtained  liberty  of  our 
Officer  to  go  down,  and  watch  the  Enemy's 
landing.  We  then  went  to  the  Old  Field 
Shore,  where  we  waited  until  the  Sun  rose, 
when  a  Gun  was  fired  from  the  Commodore, 
as  a  signal  for  landing. 


51 


Instantly  a  string  of  boats  was  seen,  dropping 
astern  of  every  transport  ship,  full  of  soldiers, 
and  pulled  directly  for  the  shore,  about  the 
middle  of  the  Old  Field.  It  was  near  high 
water,  and  a  full  tide,  so  the  Boats  could  come 
plump  up  to  the  Beach.  And  as  soon  as  they 
came  within  point  Blank  Shot,  we  fired  into 
them,  and  continued  the  fire,  until  they  began 
to  land  within  a  few  yards  of  us,  when  I 
thought  it  was  time  Either  to  retreat,  or  to 
resign,  and  beg  for  quarters,  rather  than  to 
run  the  risk  of  crossing  over  the  plain  Open 
Field,  under  the  shower  of  Shot,  which  I  knew 
must  soon  follow  me.  And  I  should  have  pre- 
ferred the  latter,  and  gone  to  prison,  but  I  well 
knew,  that  after  we  had  been  so  foolish  and 
imprudent  as  to  come  and  fire  a  few  shots,  at 
an  army  of  men,  all  huddled  in  their  boats, 
without  any  possibility  of  answering  any  other 
purpose,  than  killing,  and  wounding  a  few 
individuals,  I  felt  very  sure,  that  I  should 
be  immediately  cut  to  pieces,  and  perhaps 
deservingly  so. 

There  was  therefore  no  other  alternative 
but.  Run,  and  abide  the  Consequences.  I 
therefore  instantly  started  across  the  field,  at 
the  hight  of  my  speed,  and  the  bullets  after 
me,  like   a  shower  of  hail,  which  seemed  to 


52 


prostrate  all  the  grass  around  me.  But  fortu- 
nately I  escaped,  unhurt,  and  retreated  to 
another  good  stand,  on  the  Rock  pasture,  and 
waited  the  approach  of  the  flank  guard.  Then, 
I  would  fire  a  few  shots,  and  retreat  to  another 
ambush,  and  fire  a  few  more  shots,  and  again 
retreat  and  so  I  continued  to  do,  until  I  had 
got  nearly  up  to  the  Milford  turn  pike  Road, 
where  there  was  an  adjutant  of  the  Enemy 
killed  and  left  behind.  By  this  time  the  main 
body  of  the  Enemy,  which  kept  the  main  road, 
had  passed  up  through  Allentown,  on  their 
way  to  Thompson's  bridge  on  the  Derby 
road.  Our  people  had  got  some  field  pieces, 
on  the  East  side  of  the  ^A/'est  bridge,  in  order 
to  take  the  Causeway,  but  it  being  supposed 
by  the  Enemy  that  the  bridge  was  blown  up, 
(which  was  attempted)  was  the  reason  of  their 
taking  the  upper  rout  to  the  Derby  road.  The 
Company  to  which  I  belonged,  having  passed 
into  New  Haven,  and  up  to  neck  Bridge,  I 
thought  not  best  to  pursue  after  them,  to  join 
them.  I  therefore,  returned  back  to  West 
Haven.  The  Enemy  staid  over  the  night  in 
New  Haven,  doing  much  damage  by  plunder- 
ing, but  Early  the  next  day,  they  crossed  over 
to  East  Haven — burnt  one  or  two  houses,  soon 
after  they  got  over, — marched  down  to  Moriss's 


53 


Cove, — burnt  his  House, — and  then  Embarked 
on  board  the  fleet,  which  then  got  under  way, 
and  proceeded  to  the  Westward.  They  landed 
at  Fairfield,  and  Norwalk, — burnt  both  places, 
and  then  returned  to  New  York. — On  the  First 
day  of  their  landing  in  West  Haven,  we  lost 
Jeduthan  Thompson,  who  was  one  of  our  Com- 
pany. He  was  killed  in  New  Haven,  at  the 
corner  of  George  and  York  Street  at  the  South 
West  Corner,  of  the  original  town  Square. 

I  served  in  this  Company,  till  the  latter  part 
of  October.  I  then  obtained  my  discharge, 
and  then  took  my  pack  at  my  back  in  company 
with  my  neighbor  (Ebenezer  Thompson)  and 
travelled  off  to  the  Eastward,  to  look  for  a 
likely  substantial,  good  sailing  vessel,  to  get  a 
voyage  in,  as  there  was  none  in  New  Haven 
at  that  time. 

We  travelled  as  far  as  New  London,  but 
found  none  there  that  suited,  and  from  thence 
to  Providence,  but  found  none  there.  Then  to 
Newbury-Port,  where  we  Entered  on  board 
the  Brig  Marquis,  Seth  Thomas  (one  of  our  old 
neighbors  Commander).  W^e  soon  sailed,  bound 
for  Point  Petre,  in  the  Island  of  Guadaloupe. 

Arrived  safe, — discharged  our  Cargo, — loaded 
for  home  and  sailed  in  company  with  two  letters 
of  Marque  Ships,  bound  for  Newbury  port.   We 


54 


undertook  to  beat  up  the  passage,  between 
Grantere,  and  Marigalante,  in  order  to  come 
to  the  Windward  of  the  Islands,  thinking  that 
to  be  the  most  safe,  and  free  from  Privateers. 

But  the  Ships,  being  dull  sailers,  and  could 
not  beat  up  they  therefore  bore  away  for 
the  leeward  passage.  We  in  order  to  have 
the  benefit  of  their  protection,  kept  them 
Company. 

We  ran  down,  and  came  through,  between 
Porto  Rico,  and  St.  Domingo.  When  we  got 
on  the  American  Coast,  we  left  our  Convey, 
and  met  the  Cold,  and  memorable  Winter,  of 
the  year  1780.  But  by  coming  through  the 
leeward  passage,  we  were  well  on  the  Western 
Shore,  which  was,  finally,  the  whole  means  of 
our  ever  getting  in,  for,  in  about  the  Latitude 
of  31  degrees  we  took  the  wind  at  North  West, 
and  Extreme  Cold.  The  Wind  stood  between 
West,  North  West  and  North  the  whole  time, 
until  we  got  in.  Except  about  12  hours,  when 
it  hauled  round  at  East.  In  about  26  days 
after  getting  on  the  Coast,  in  the  month  of 
February,  we  made  the  land  not  far  from 
Penobscot.  Got  in  under  the  main  land,  and 
taking  the  wind  at  about  north,  worked  along 
shore,  and  arrived,  most  joyfully,  at  our  de- 
sired Haven,  Newbury  port.  Where,  for  two 


55 


weeks,  I  took  full  one  years  Comfort,  over 
my  Landlords  Greenleafs  fire  side. 

When  I  entered  on  Board  the  Brig,  I  was  a 
raw  hand,  and  having  never  before,  sailed  on 
board  of  a  merchant  Vessel,  and  knowing 
nothing  of  Seamen  Ship,  I  made  no  agreement 
as  to  wages,  only  this,  Viz.,  To  receive  what  I 
am  worth.  On  settlement  however,  they  paid 
me,  as  much  as  any  one,  on  board. 

After  getting  and  recruited.  We  again  took 
our  packs  at  our  backs,  and  returned  home,  in 
the  month  of  March.  The  snow,  was  then, 
generally,  about  Even  with  the  tops  of  the 
fences  Everywhere,  and  all  the  Harbors  closed, 
with  very  thick  Ice. 

This  has,  up  to  this  time  1836,  been  con- 
sidered, by  all  those,  that  saw,  and  felt  the 
severity  of  it,  as  the  most  severe  Winter,  within 
the  memory  of  Man. 

After  being  at  home  sometime,  I  Entered  on 
board,  the  letter  of  Marque  Brig,  Firebrand, 
of  10  Guns,  Amariah  Jocelyn,  Commander, 
belonging  to  New  Haven,  and  sailed,  bound 
on  a  Voyage  to  Cape  Francois,  in  the  Island 
of  St.  Domingo  or  Hispaniola.  Arrived  safe, 
and  on  our  return  home,  sailed  in  Company 
with  a  fleet  of  French  men  of  W^ar,  and 
Merchant  Men,  of  about  100  sail.     We  parted 


56 


with   them   a   little   south   of  Bermuda,  their 
course  being  too  much  Easterly  for  us. 

We  arrived  safe  in  New  Haven,  but  I  soon 
Entered  for  another  Voyage,  on  board  the 
same  Vessel,  and  sailed,  bound  for  Grenada. 
While  going  down  Sound,  and  out  through 
the  race,  in  the  night,  while  the  British  fleet 
were  lying  in  Gardener's  Bay,  and  having  got 
out  near  Montauk  Point,  at  daylight  in  the 
morning,  we  discovered  an  Enemy's  frigate, 
just  ahead,  and  partly  under  the  Lee.  We 
immediately  hove  about  to  the  Northward, 
with  the  Wind  at  North  West,  and  found  that 
our  vessel  could  look  up  for  the  East  End  of 
Fisher's  Island.  At  the  same  time  the  frigate 
hove  about  also,  which  kept  her  close  under 
our  Lee,  which  prevented  us,  from  running 
into  Stonington.  We  therefore  had  it  tack 
and  tack,  with  our  Enemy,  within  almost, 
point  Blank  shot  of  us,  until  we  could  weather 
the  West  End  of  Fisher's  Island  and  so 
Escaped  into  New  London.  There  we  lay, 
until  an  opportunity  offered  for  us,  to  slip  out 
in  the  night,  which  we  did,  and  made  our 
passage  safe  out,  to  Grenada.  After  the  busi- 
ness of  the  Voyage  was  transacted,  we  sailed 
for  home,  and  stood  to  the  Northward  for 
Porto   Rico   passage,   but    by    some    careless 


57 


manouvering  we  ran  by  the  passage,  and 
down  the  Island  of  St.  Domingo,  or  Hispaniola, 
in  the  day  time,  and  lying  too  by  night,  for 
three  days  in  succession.  At  length  finding 
out  our  mistake,  (and  a  sad  one  too)  We 
hauled  our  Wind,  and  went  to  beating  back 
for  the  passage,  which  took  22  days.  This 
made  us  very  short  of  Provisions  and  Water, 
and  we  went  immediately  on  short  Allowance 
of  both.  But  having  a  good  passage,  from 
there,  home,  we  made  out  to  live,  although, 
we  had  our  last  provisions  in  the  cooking, 
when  we  were  in  the  race,  off  New  London. 
W^e  finally  arrived,  safely,  and  joyfully  into 
New  Haven,  and  saluted  the  inhabitants,  with 
two  of  our  broadsides  in  the  Harbor. 

After  remaining  at  home,  and  working  at 
Shoes  &c.,  with  my  Uncle  Stevens,  for  a  short 
time,  as  usual,  I  engaged  for  a  Voyage,  on 
board  the  Sloop  Rising  Sun  in  the  capacity  of 
Mate,  Wm.  Punchard,  Master,  and  bound  for 
the  West  Indies.  W^e  proceeded  safely  on 
our  Voyage,  until  we  were  near  the  Islands, 
when  we  fell  in  with  the  Regulator,  a  British 
Sloop  of  War,  which  captured  us,  and  carried 
us  into  Tortolee.  There  being  no  Prison,  or 
Prison  Ship,  in  this  place,  we  were  not  con- 
fined, and  I  remained  on  Board,  to  assist  in 


58 


discharging  the  Cargo,  by  which  means,  I  con- 
trived to  save,  a  part  of  my  adventure,  as  that, 
was  not  in  the  Invoice  of  Cargo.  After  dis- 
charging the  Cargo,  they  gave  me  liberty,  to 
go  where  I  pleased,  and  I  soon  got  a  passage 
over  to  St.  Croix,  and  from  there,  I  took  passage 
for  New  Haven,  on  board  the  Sloop  Patty, 
Major  Lines,  Master.  At  this  time,  the  Amer- 
ican Flag,  was  not  allowed  to  be  hoisted,  in  a 
Danish  Port.  After  Capt.  Lines  had  completed 
his  business,  we  got  under  way  for  home,  and 
Capt.  Lines,  being  a  high  Liberty  man,  as  was 
also  John  Conner,  a  Planter,  who  lived  at  the 
north  west  point  of  the  Bay,  at  West  End, — 
and  Capt.  Lines,  feeling  pretty  rich  and  merry, 
as  soon  as  he  got  out  to  the  Point,  hoisted  the 
American  Stripes,  and  fired  a  Salute,  to  honnor 
his  friend  Conner.  A  Danish  frigate,  was  then 
lying  in  the  Harbor  of  W^est  End.  Her  Barge 
was  soon  manned,  and  came  out  after  us.  It 
being  nearly  Calm,  she  soon  came  up  with  us, 
when  Capt.  Lines  hailed  her,  and  ordered  them 
to  keep  off.  But  they  came  on  after  us,  when 
several  swivels  were  fired  into  her  from  our 
Vessel.    She  then  tacked  and  went  back. 

I  Expected,  if  there  should  be  a  breeze,  that 
the  Frigate  would  be  out  after  us,  and  if  taken, 
we  should  probably  be  hanged,  for  firing  on 


59 


the  King's  boat.  But,  fortunately  there  was  a 
light  Breeze,  and  by  that  means,  we  made  our 
Escape.  This,  however,  was  a  great  damage 
to  Capt.  Lines,  as  he  never  dare  go  to  that 
place  again. 

We  arrived  in  Safety  at  New  Haven,  and 
after  some  time,  Capt.  Punchard's  friend  pro- 
cured him,  another,  fine  new  Sloop,  built  at  the 
same  place,  as  the  other. 

We  had  two  small  carriage  Guns,  and  about 
a  dozen  muskets,  and  when  we  were  loading 
away,  there  were  two  Brigs  the  Hetty,  Capt. 
David  Phipps,  and  the  Eunice,  Capt.  Ebenezer 
Peck,  both  well  armed,  and  several  other 
Vessels,  fitting  away.  Calculating  to  keep 
Company,  down  sound  at  least.  Our  Sloop 
was  lying  on  the  West  side  of  the  Pier,  and 
all  nearly  ready  for  Sea.  One  afternoon,  the 
Captain  being  on  Shore,  it  came  into  my  head, 
(I  knew  not  for  why  as  I  had  no  fears  of  the 
Enemy,)  to  get  up  the  muskets,  rub  the  rust 
off  from  the  Locks, — oil  them, — put  Flints  in 
them, — load  every  one, — and  laid  them,  side 
by  side,  on  the  bundles  of  hay,  which  were 
stowed  on  the  quarter  Deck.  Then  I  covered 
them  up,  with  the  Turpolin,  and  when  I  went 
below,  set  a  watch,  to  look  out  for  the  Captain, 
if  he  should  come  off.     After  going  below,  and 


60 


I-     ob 

li_      »- 

O    h 

LU     O 
S     < 

z 
< 

UJ 

o 
< 

_l 

0. 

I 
h- 
cc 


turning  in,  I  tryed  to  get  to  sleep, — but  could 
not, — and  therefore  lay, — sleepless, — until  about 
midnight, — When  I  heard  one  of  the  raw  hands, 
on  deck,  singing  out,  in  an  uncouth  manner ! 
A  ho!  the  boat,  A  ho.  I  at  first  thought  he 
was  doing  this  to  amuse  himself,  and  to  learn 
how,  to  hail.  But  I  soon,  became  tired  of  his 
noise,  and  thought  perhaps  there  might  be  a  boat 
coming  off  to  some  of  the  Vessels,  and  if  so  they 
ought,  at  least  to  answer,  it  being  War  time. 

I  therefore,  immediately,  sprang  up,  on  the 
quarter  Deck,  and  looked  towards  the  Wharf, 
and  saw,  as  it  appeared  to  me,  a  small  boat, 
with  her  head  towards  us,  lying  Entirely  still. 
I  immediately  hailed !  but  received  no  answer. 
Instantly  I  hailed  again ! !  but  no  answer ! ! !  I 
then  removed  the  Turpolin,  took  up  a  musket 
and  fired  at  them, — threw  that  down,  and  up 
with  another,  and  so  kept  on  firing,  which  I 
could  do  very  fast.  I  soon  began  to  get  an 
answer,  saying,  don't  fire,  don't  fire!  for  we 
are  friends.  I  replied,  if  you  are  friends,  that 
you  better  be  off,  instantly,  for  we  want  no 
friends  here  at  this  time  of  night.  They  im- 
mediately laid  their  Boat  round,  down  the 
Harbor,  and  sprung  upon  their  Oars.  I  then 
discovered  that  it  was  a  large  Whale  Boat, 
full  of  men. 


6i 


By  this  time,  the  people  on  board  the  Brig 
Hetty  which  lay  on  the  East  side  of  the  Pier, 
mustered  out,  and  discovered  another  Boat 
East  of  the  Pier,  and  they  got  one  of  their  Bow 
Guns  rigged  out,  and  fired  after  them,  as  they 
rowed  down  the  Harbor. 

This  occurrence  however  was  not  thought 
much  of,  at  the  time.  For  myself,  I  thought 
likely,  that  they  might  be  trading  boats,  to 
Long  Island,  as  there  was,  at  that  time,  a  great 
deal  done,  at  that  business. 

Sometime  after  the  War  was  over,  I  was 
on  a  Voyage,  to  the  West  Indies,  and  had  a 
man  with  me,  by  the  name  of  Dyer  Cook,  who 
belonged  to  New  Haven,  but  had  been  with  the 
refugees,  at  Loyd's  neck,  most  of  the  revolu- 
tionary War. 

I  heard  him,  relating  over  his  adventures, 
and  manouvers  in  the  W^ar. 

Among  the  rest,  he  related  this  very  cruise 
of  his,  in  the  Whaleboats,  and  their  reception, 
almost  Exactly  as  I  have  stated  above.  After 
this  I  conversed  with  him  about  it,  and  he  told 
me,  who  was  in  the  boat,  and  that  they  had 
been  secreted  in,  or  near  New  Haven,  several 
days,  waiting  for  the  Vessels  to  complete  their 
loading.  And,  that  when  they  left  the  Shore, 
they  were  offered  a  large  price,  for  a  share  of 


62 


the  prize  money,  and  that  it  was  only  owing  to 
the  Cowardice  of  their  Capt.  that  they  did  not 
take  us.  In  this,  he  was  correct.  For  had  they 
not  stopped  to  hear  the  raw  hand  hail,  they 
might  have  stepped  on  Board,  and  have  taken 
charge,  before  I  should  have  been  on  deck,  to 
make  any  Alarm.  They  then  could  have 
walked  across  the  Pier,  and  stepped  on  Board 
the  Brig  Hetty,  and  took  quiet  possession,  as 
their  people,  who  were  on  board,  were  all  be- 
low. Then  cut  the  Vessels  fasts,  and  with  a 
fair  wind,  and  tide,  have  sailed  directly,  and 
Easily  for  Loyd's  neck.  So  that  it  seems  very 
certain,  that  we  Escaped,  only  in  Consequence 
of  my  Cleaning  the  muskets, — loading  them, — 
and  placing  them  in  just  the  posture  which  I 
did,  and  then,  not  being  able  to  get  to  sleep, 
when  I  went  below. 

After  we  had  completed  our  preparations  for 
the  Voyage,  we  sailed  in  Company  with  the 
other  Vessels — kept  Company  a  few  days,  and 
then  separated,  and  arrived  safe,  at  the  Island 
of  St.  Kitts,  and  after  our  business  was  finished, 
sailed  for  home,  and  had  got  so  far  on  the 
Winters  coast,  that  I  thought,  I  might,  almost 
safely,  reckon  up,  what  I  should  make,  by  the 
Voyage.  Which  I  did,  one  Evening  and 
Enjoyed  my  next  watch  below.  Very  much, 


63 


in  prospect    of    the    profits    of    the    Voyage. 

But  the  next  morning,  my  prospects  were 
gloomy  Enough,  for  as  soon  as  it  was  Cleverly 
light,  we  made  a  ship  to  Windward,  not  far 
off,  which,  gave  us  Chase.  We  immediately 
crowded  all  Sail,  with  a  fresh  breeze,  and  went 
to  lightening  our  Sloop,  by  heaving  the  Salt 
overboard.  She  appeared  to  gain  upon  us,  but 
a  very  little,  but  this  little,  in  the  course  of  a 
whole  day,  amounted  to  considerable,  so  much 
that  it  brought  her  up  with  us  before  night.  She 
proved  to  be  his  Majesty's  Ship,  the  Albicore, 
of  28  Guns.  We  were  taken  on  Board,  and  had 
a  new  ship  for  our  money,  and  a  berth  in  the 
Cable  tier.  The  next  day,  we  were  mustered 
on  the  quarter  deck,  and  our  baggage  over 
hauled.  I  had  from  thirty  to  forty  dollars  worth 
of  dry  Goods,  and  notions,  but  the  Captain, 
very  kindly  told  me,  to  keep  it,  and  take  good 
care,  that  the  Sailors  did  not  steal  it  from  me. 
I  then  Expected,  as  soon  as  we  got  into  New 
York,  to  go  on  board  the  Prison  Ship,  and  then 
I  should  stand  in  need  of  a  little  money.  I 
therefore,  sold  out  about  all  my  nick  nacks,  to 
the  Sailors.  After  a  few  days,  we  arrived,  at 
Sandy  Hook,  and  came  to  an  Anchor. 

The  wind,  Coming  out,  at,  north  West,  a 
heavy  Gale,  the  Ship,  dragged  her  Anchors, 


64 


and  the  appearance  was  that  we  should  go  on 
Shore.  I  then  began  to  hope  that  I  should 
Escape  the  Prison  Ship,  but  they  kept  paying 
out  Cable  and  letting  go  Anchors,  till  she 
brought  up,  and  rode  out  the  Gale.  The  next 
day,  we  went  up  to  New  York,  and  anchored 
in  the  East  river,  and  we  remained  on  board, 
all  night,  but  Expected  next  morning  to  take 
our  station,  on  board  the  Old  Jersey  Prison 
Ship,  lying  at  the  Walabout,  where  the  Navy 
Yard,  now  is.  I  walked  the  deck,  some  part 
of  the  night,  and  thought,  how  wonderfully  I 
had  once  Escaped  by  swimming,  and  would 
then  almost  determine  to  get  overboard,  and 
try  it  again,  notwithstanding  it  was  about 
Christmas,  and  very  cold,  and  the  tide  running 
four  or  five  miles  an  hour.  I  knew,  therefore, 
that  it  must  be  certain  death,  to  get  into  the 
water,  so  I  did  not  attempt  it,  although  I  had 
to  strive  very  hard,  to  keep  from  it.  At  length 
morning  came,  and  we  were  mustered  up, 
with  our  baggage  and  into  the  Boat,  and  set 
out  for  the  Walabout. 

We  rowed  up  the  East  River,  and  when  we 
came  up  abreast  of  the  high  bluff,  on  Long 
Island  side,  (as  it  then  was)  the  Old  Jersey, 
Prison  Ship,  hove  in  sight,  and  also  the  Boat 
from  the  Prison  Ship,  burying  the  dead,  (which 


65 


had  died  that  night,  on  board  of  her,)  in  the 
Sand  Bank.  This  bluff,  or  bank,  I  suppose  is 
now  nearly  gone,  as  I  have  heard,  that  many 
of  the  bones  have  been  collected,  and  buried. 
We  were  soon  alongside  the  Old  Jersey,  and 
were  safely  lodged  on  board,  Where,  I  found 
two  of  my  old  neighbors,  Benjamin,  and 
Joseph  Smith.  This  seemed  for  the  moment,  to 
revive  my  drooping  Spirits  and  to  bring  to 
mind,  the  old  saying,  that  misery  loves  com- 
pany. 

I  however,  had  their  Company,  but  a  little 
while,  as  they  were  soon  sent  off,  in  a  Cartel, 
and  Exchanged.  There  was  now,  no  hope  of 
my  Escape  for  this  winter,  if  Ever,  alive.  The 
only  way,  therefore,  was  to  be  content,  and 
Endeavor  to  make  my  situation,  as  comfortable 
as  possible,  and  having  some  money,  and  a 
situation  in  the  Gun  Room,  (a  place  oft 
assigned  to  masters  and  Mates  of  Vessels,)  I 
became  quite  satisfied  of  necessity,  there  being 
no  possibility  of  Escape,  by  swimming,  or,  in 
any  other  way.  In  justice  to  our  enemies,  I 
must  say,  that  they  tryd  to  make  us  as  com- 
fortable, as  possible,  on  Prisoner's  allowance. 
They  gave  us  good  provisions,  only.  Prisoner's 
Allowance,  was  rather  scant. 

They  Cleansed  the  Ship  often,  and  appeared 


66 


to  try  to  accommodate,  what  they  could,  with 
safety. 

But  it  is  impossible,  where  such  a  number 
of  men  have  to  be  confined,  and  shut  up 
together,  over  night,  to  keep  them  clean,  and 
healthy.  Situated  thus,  I  became  quite  con- 
tented, being  shut  out,  from  all  hope  of  Escape, 
and  could  live  quite  comfortably,  by  the  help 
of  a  trifle  of  money,  in  addition  to  the  Allow- 
ance. 

One  occurrence,  here  took  place,  perhaps 
worth  mentioning,  to  show  how  foolish  people 
can  act,  when  they  in  a  great  measure,  lose 
their  reason,  by  passion,  or  otherwise. 

As  I  was  walking  one  day  on  the  upper  deck, 
after  there  had  been  a  damp  fall  of  snow,  I 
received  a  snow  ball,  on  the  side  of  my  neck, 
from  some  one.  I  looked  around, — saw  nobody 
Engaged  in  snow  balling,  or  any  thing  of  the 
kind.  I  therefore  took  this,  as  an  insult. 
Besides,  it  was  quite  inconvenient,  as  it  filled 
my  neck  full  of  Wet  and  it  put  me  quite  out  of 
humour,  so  much  so,  that  I  was  determined  to 
continue  walking  there,  and  receive  their  snow 
balls,  until  I  could  find  them  out,  and  Chastise 
them.  So  I  continued  my  walk,  and  the  snow 
balls  would  continue  to  come,  Every  now  and 
then.     At  last,  I  cast  my  Eye  up  to  the  fore 


67 


Castle  where  some  of  the  Prisoners  were  walk- 
ing fore,  and  aft,  and  just  at  the  time  that  I 
looked.  One,  who  had  come  to  the  End  of  his 
walk  just  at  that  time,  with  his  hand  behind 
him,  in  which  was  a  snow  ball.  As  he  did  not 
choose  to  throw,  when  I  was  looking  at  him, 
he  had  to  turn  round,  and  (like  a  little  boy) 
forgot  to  shift  his  hand  from  behind,  and  by 
this  means,  showed  me  his  snow  ball.  This 
was  Enough  to  show  me  the  rogue,  or  One  of 
them  at  least.  I  pursued  him  on  to  the  fore 
Castle,  through  the  Crowd,  keeping  my  Eyes 
Steadfastly  upon  him,  until  I  came  up  with 
him,  and  without  a  word  said,  I  gave  him  one 
blow,  and  then  another,  which  sent  him  down 
into  the  galley,  among  the  Cooks.  I  then  went 
my  way,  and  saw  nothing  more  of  him,  until 
sometime  after  while  sitting  in  the  gun  room, 
some  person  with  a  Irish  brogue,  came  to  me 
and  asked  me.  If  I  had  not  struck  him.  I  told 
him  I  did  not  know  that  I  had  struck  him,  but 
that  I  knew,  I  had  struck  somebody.  He  re- 
plied, that  it  was  him  and  that  he  wanted 
satisfaction.  I  told  him  to  take  it  just  as  soon 
as  he  pleased.  He  said  that  this  was  no  place. 
He  wanted  me  to  go  out  between  decks,  and  I 
like  a  foolish  booby,  followed  him  out  between 
decks,  and  Capt.  Ward  Atwater,  (like  another 


68 


fool)    followed    me     out,    to     see    fair    play. 

When  I  got  out  between  decks,  he,  had  got 
his  shirt  nearly  off,  and  as  this  appeared  to  be 
the  fashion,  I  undertook  to  get  mine  off.  While 
doing  this  I  received  several  blows. 

After  I  was  clear  of  my  shirt,  I  received  no 
blows  from  my  antagonist,  but  warded  them 
all  off,  and  returned  them  with  double  interest, 
until  he  disappeared  among  the  crowd.  But  on 
looking  around,  I  saw  several  others,  a  strip- 
ping. I  therefore  thought  it  best  for  me,  to 
make  my  Escape,  and  not  undertake  to  fight 
a  whole  privateers  Crew.  I  then  crept  through 
the  crowd,  into  the  Gun  room,  without  show- 
ing any  marks  of  the  Contest,  having  received, 
what  blows  were  given  me  on  my  head.  Capt. 
Atwater,  fared  a  good  deal  worse,  and  got  con- 
siderably bruised.  This  is  the  only  time,  that 
I  ever  Engaged  in  a  fist  fight,  and  I  never 
could  have  done  it,  more  foolishly. 

I  now  remained  on  board  of  this  floating 
prison,  about  two  months,  without  any  pros- 
pect of  Escape.  But  unexpectedly  Mr.  Elias 
Shipman,  made  his  appearance  on  board,  and 
said  that  he  had  come  down,  hoping  to  get 
some  of  us  paroled,  and  that  he  had,  had  some 
encouragement,  and  that  we  should  hear  from 
him   again,  in  a  few  days.     Now,  Hope,  Joy, 


69 


and  Fear,  were  all  at  once,  greatly  Excited, 
and  I  anxiously  kept  a  look  out  for  Every  boat, 
which  came  in  sight,  at  the  same  time  tremb- 
ling, for  fear  of  the  result  of  his  Exertions. 
At  length,  Mr.  Shipman  appeared,  and  had  got 
permission  to  take  out,  four,  and,  my  name, 
was  among  the  number.  We  went  over  into 
the  city,  to  the  proper  Officer,  and  obtained  our 
Paroles,  with  liberty,  to  return  by  the  way  of 
Long  Island,  home.  I  then  went  into  a  store, 
and  bought  me  some  cloth,  for  a  suit  of  clothes, 
from  the  money  which  I  had  left.  Then  crossed 
the  Ferry  to  Brooklyn,  and  travelled  down  the 
Island  to  Loyd's  neck,  where,  I  found,  plenty 
of  my  old  neighbors,  who  were  refugees.  Here 
I  was  kindly  Entertained,  several  days,  wait- 
ing an  opportunity  to  get  on  to  the  main,  or 
(Connecticut  side).  At  length  I  found  a  pas- 
sage and  arrived  safe,  once  more,  at  my 
native  Village,  and  although  yet  a  prisoner, 
and  on  my  parole  of  honor,  and  bound  to  return 
when  called  for,  which  I  meant,  punctually  to 
fulfil.  Even  if  I  must  again  go  on  board,  the  Old 
Jersey,  Prison  Ship.  Of  this,  however,  there 
was  no  necessity,  as  the  news  of  peace,  arrived 
in  the  Spring,  when  all  the  Prisoners  were  set 
at  Liberty,  after  a  Sanguinary  War,  of  about 
seven  years. 


70 


At  the  commencement  of  this  War  I  was 
fifteen  years  of  age,  and,  at  sixteen,  (as  soon  as 
they  would  take  me  for  a  Soldier)  I  entered, 
and  continued  in  it,  Either  by  land,  or  Sea,  a 
considerable  part  of  the  time,  while  it  lasted, 
as  will  be  seen,  by  the  preceding  narrative. 
And  when  I  review  the  hardships,  through 
which  I  have  passed,  by  being  a  prisoner,  three 
times,  in  the  course  of  the  revolutionary  War, 
the  dangers  through  which  I  have  passed, 
and  the  risks  which  I  have  run,  an  Espe- 
cially that,  in  making  my  Escape  from  the 
Prison  Ship,  I  am  astonished,  that  I  am 
alive.  And  it  must  always  remain,  a  Com- 
plete mystery,  to  me,  how  I  could  have 
strength  to  swim  the  North  River,  after  having 
been  without  food  from  four  to  five  days.  And 
then,  after  I  had  got  over,  and  rested,  to  feel 
more  strong  and  active,  than  Ever  before  in 
my  life,  (which  was  really  the  case,  and  not 
imagination  only),  and,  that  this  strength, 
would  not  forsake  me  while  danger  lasted,  but 
when  danger  was  Over,  that  it  would  forsake 
me,  like  Samson's  when  his  locks  were  shorn. 
Or,  like  a  sick,  feeble.  Emaciated  person,  in  a 
State  of  delirium,  after  his  reason  is  restored. 
All  this,  is  truly  mysterious  to  me. 

But  my  unalterable   determination  was  to 


71 


make  my  Escape,  at  all  hazards.  And,  being 
divested  of  all  fear,  I  suppose,  added  much  to 
my  Strength. 

And  now,  when  I  think  over  these  past 
Events,  and  transactions,  they  appear  more 
like  dreams,  than  realities.  And  I  should  almost 
doubt,  the  truth  of  my  own  narrative,  had  there 
not  been,  such  an  abundance  of  living  testimony 
at  the  time,  and  for  many  years  after,  of  the 
facts,  which  I  have  herein  stated.  But,  after 
all  I  have  said  of  my  own  Exertions,  yet  I 
have  only  to  say,  that  I  ascribe  my  miraculous 
preservation,  through  all  the  dangers  of  life,  to 
the  kind  care,  and  protection  of  my  Heavenly 
Father,  who  when  my  Earthly  Parents  had 
forsaken  me,  took  me  up,  and  preserved  me, 
through  all  the  perils,  and  dangers  of  a  long 
life,  with  uninterrupted  health.  Even  to  Old 
Age.  And,  methinks,  that  my  present  wish  is, 
that  my  short  remaining  time  may  be  spent 
more  in  his  service,  than  it  has  Ever  yet 
been. 

The  War  now  being  Ended,  the  Sword 
returned  to  its  Scabbard,  the  Arms,  and  muni- 
tions of  War,  laid  up  in  the  Arsenal,  and  the 
Cares  and  occupations  of  peace  resumed,  I 
Entered  on  board  the  Ship  Montgomery,  Israel 
Bishop   Master,  bound    for  the  West  Indies. 


72 


Sailed  and  arrived  safe,  at  the  Island  of 
Grenada,  transacted  the  business  of  our 
Voyage  out,  and  returned  home  in  safety. 
After  this  I  went  to  work  at  a  new  Sloop, 
which  was  then  building,  on  the  west  side  of 
Candee's  Rocks,  (in  the  Round  hole  lot,  so 
called)  and  launched  into  the  Cove  River.  She 
was  about  loo  tons  Burthen,  and  called  the 
Hannah,  of  which  I  was  Master.  She  was 
finished, — launched, — and  finally,  with  much 
difficulty,  got  out  of  the  River,  and  brought 
around  to  the  West  Haven  Shore,  rigged, — 
and  then,  in  the  month  of  December,  taken  up  to 
New  Haven,  and  anchored  a  little  north  of  the 
Pier.  But,  as  we  had  no  bedding,  or  any  other 
accommodations,  on  board  of  her,  we  went  on 
Shore,  at  New  Haven  to  sleep.  In  the  night, 
it  came  on  to  snow,  and  blow  very  heavy,  at 
about  North,  by  West.  I  lay  very  restless,  the 
latter  part  of  the  night.  As  soon  as  it  was  day, 
I  arose,  and  the  people  with  me,  and  went 
down  to  the  Wharf,  the  Snow  beginning  to 
cease.  I  could  not  see  the  Sloop  where  we  had 
left  her.  But  as  it  cleared  away,  we  could  see 
down  the  harbor,  and  could  discover  one 
Vessel,  and  another,  which  had  drifted  down, 
but  nothing  of  our  Sloop  could  be  seen,  not 
even  after  we  could  see  well  into  the  Sound. 


73 


So  we  got  into  the  boat,  with  heavy  hearts,  to 
run  down  to  West  Haven. 

After  rowing  down  to  the  Oyster  Point,  we 
discovered  a  vessel,  lying  ashore,  down 
towards  the  neck  Point.  But  I  took  little 
Encouragement  from  this,  as  there  was  a  small 
sloop,  lying  at  anchor,  off  West  Haven  Wharf, 
the  day  before,  and  I  supposed  this  must  be 
the  same.  But  when  we  came  near.  We  to 
our  great  Joy,  found  it  to  be  our  own  sloop. 
Capt.  Wells,  in  a  Coaster,  had,  in  the  night, 
drifted  foul  of  our  Sloop,  and  Cut  her  Cable, 
and  taken  the  End  on  board  of  his  own  Vessel 
and  so  rode  out  the  Gale.  But  this  seemed  but 
a  very  trifling  matter,  since  I  had  found  the 
Sloop. 

After  this,  we  soon  got  the  Sloop  off,  loaded, 
and  sailed  for  the  West  Indies,  in  the  month 
of  January,  and  arrived  safe  in  Martinico. 
Then  sold  my  Cargo,  sailed  for  St.  Martins, 
took  in  Salt,  and  arrived  in  the  month  of 
March.  Staid  at  home  a  short  time, — then 
loaded  again  for  the  W^est  Indies,  and  got 
ready  to  sail.  I  was  then  taken  sick,  with  the 
Fever  ague,  but  went  on  board,  determined,  to 
go  the  Voyage,  and  thought  as  I  had  but  just 
got  into  business,  it  would  ruin  me  to  lose  my 
place. 


74 


I  therefore  got  under  way,  the  wind  being 
West  Southerly,  and  beat  down  the  Harbor. 
But  having  a  hard  fit  of  the  Ague  come  on, 
my  courage,  and  strength,  failed  me,  came  to 
anchor, — got  into  the  Boat,  with  my  Chest, 
and  bedding,  and  was  set  on  Shore,  at  West 
Haven  Wharf. 

Then  with  a  heavy  heart,  I  trudged  up  to 
Capt.  Candee's  (one  of  the  Owners)  and  imme- 
diately informed  him,  that  I  had  given  up  the 
Voyage,  and  that  they  must  look  for  a  new 
Master.  They  Employed  Capt.  Plymont  to 
sail  the  Vessel,  and  Jacob  Thompson,  as  Super 
Cargo. 

I  now  felt  very  much  depressed  in  spirits, 
and  discouraged,  and  was  ready,  with  good  old 
Jacob,  to  say,  ^^All  these  things  are  against 
me."  I  continued  to  have  the  fever  and  ague, 
for  some  time.  At  length  having  recovered,  I 
was  offered  the  Sloop  Nancy,  of  New  Haven. 
A  chance  of  business,  worth  double  to  the  one 
I  lost,  by  means  of  my  Fever  and  Ague. 

We  fitted  for  Sea, — and  sailed,  before  the 
return  of  the  Vessel,  which  I  had  left.  It  now, 
was  Easy  for  me  to  see  that  while  I  was  think- 
ing, that  all  these  things,  are  against  me,  that 
Providence  was  providing  for  me.  I  sailed  in 
the  Sloop  Nancy  the  latter  part  of  July,  1784. 


75 


I  arrived  safe,  in  Martinico, — transacted  my 
business, — and  sailed  for  home.  Having 
arrived  on  the  coast,  and  being  Close  in  to  the 
Western  Shore,  in  the  month  of  September, 
we  took  the  line  Gale,  at  about  East,  North 
East,  which  drove  us  so  near  the  shore,  that  I 
thought  that  all  hope  of  Escape,  had  entirely 
dissappeared,  and  that  we  could  do  nothing 
more,  (as  we  carried  to  it  until  our  sails  gave 
way,)  only  to  Commit  ourselves,  to  the  merci- 
ful Care  and  protection,  of  that  God,  whom 
winds  and  Seas  obey ;  Expecting  every  minute 
to  be  our  last.  Now,  it  seems  we  did  not  look 
to  him,  in  vain,  for  his  assistance.  For  while 
we  were  Expecting,  Every  swelling  Surge, 
would  drop  our  frail  bark,  on  the  fatal  sand, — 
behold, — in  an  instant, — it  all  became  Entirely 
Calm, — and,  although  a  terrible  sea  was  run- 
ning, yet,  a  gleam  of  hope  now  appeared,  that 
the  wind  might  come  from  off  the  shore,  so  as 
to  save  us,  as  it  seemed  to  me,  if  it  came  from 
any  other  quarter,  that  all  hope  would  be  cer- 
tainly at  an  End.  It  remained  calm  a  short 
time,  and  then  the  wind  came  like  a  whirlwind, 
directly  off  from  the  land,  a  very  heavy  gale. 
But  this  was  pleasure,  as  it  drove  us  fast  away 
from  the  fatal  sand.  Our  joy  now,  was  like  that 
of  a  criminal,  who  receives  a  reprieve,  at  the 


76 


very  last  minute,  as  I  can  safely  say,  that  for 
a  considerable  time  I  had  not  the  least  glimmer 
of  a  hope  remaining  of  our  Escaping.  Now, 
I  think  I  may  say,  at  least,  that  I  have  a 
good  hope  that  I  felt  some  real  sense  of 
gratitude,  to  my  Preserver,  some  thing  as  I 
ought,  yet.  Oh!  how  soon,  are  all  the  mercies 
and  kindnesses  of  our  Heavenly  Father, 
forgotten. 

After  this,  we  soon  arrived  at  New  Haven, 
and  found  all  our  friends  well.  After  remain- 
ing a  short  time  at  home,  I  loaded,  and  sailed 
again,  for  Guadaloupe,  and  arrived  safe  at 
Point  Petre.  While  lying  here,  one  of  our 
Ship's  Company,  John  Ward  one  of  my  neigh- 
bors, was  taken  sick  of  the  yellow  fever  and 
died  in  about  four  days.  He  was  buried,  on 
Hog  Island,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Harbor.  After 
the  business  of  the  Voyage  was  completed, — 
sailed  for  St.  Croix, — took  in  Rum,  and  sailed 
for  home.  On  the  passage  home  my  only 
brother,  Shubael,  sickened,  and  died,  and  I 
committed  his  mortal  remains  to  a  Watery 
grave,  to  be  seen  no  more,  until  the  sound  of 
the  Arch  Angel's  trump,  shall  summons  the 
Sea,  to  give  up  her  dead. 

At  length  the  remainder  of  us  arrived  in 
safety  at  New  Haven.     I  continued  following 


77 


the  Sea,  in  the  Same  Vessel,  in  the  West  India 
trade  including  one  summer,  in  the  lumber 
trade  to  Union  River,  and  Frenchman's  Bay.  I 
went  out.  Early  in  the  Spring,  and  stayed  there 
myself,  sending  the  Sloop  back,  in  Charge  of 
Capt.  Thompson  Clarke,  and  returned  myself 
in  the  fall.  I  then  sailed  for  the  West  Indies, 
and  continued  in  that  trade,  until  the  year  1791, 
when  the  Sloop  Nancy,  which  had  been  my 
home,  for  so  long  a  time,  was  raised  upon,  and 
rigged  into  a  Brig,  by  Elijah  Austin,  and  sent 
on  a  Sealing  Voyage,  around  Cape  Horn, 
Daniel  Green,  Master.  He,  after  finishing 
taking  seal,  proceeded  on  Westward  to  the 
East  Indies,  and  back  by  the  Cape  of  Good 
Hope  going  Entirely  round  the  world.  This, 
I  think  to  be,  the  first  voyage  of  this  kind.  Ever 
made  from  this  Country. 

After  a  short  time  at  home,  I  took  charge  of 
the  Brig  Polly,  in  which  Capt.  Green  had  sailed, 
belonging  to  Elijah  Austin,  and  made  a  Voyage 
to  Martinico,  and  St.  Lucia,  and  returned  in 
Safety. 

After  having  been  for  so  long  a  time,  almost 
constantly  absent  from  home,  I  thought,  not- 
withstanding I  had  not  accumulated  much 
property,  I  had  a  great  desire,  for  some  quiet 
Enjoyment  at  home,  with  my  family.    Accord- 


78 


ingly,  I  remained  at  home  sometime,  laboring 
some  at  farming,  and  some  at  shoe  making. 
But,  at  length,  feeling  somewhat  uneasy,  in 
the  year  1796,  I  took  a  small  part  in  a  new 
Brig,  built  at  North  Haven,  by  Kimberly  and 
Tuttle,  called  the  Hiram,  calculating  to  take 
charge  of  her.  I  got  her  rigged,  and  loaded 
ready  for  sea.  I  came  home  at  night,  to  get 
my  Chest,  and  bedding,  read}^  to  go  on  board, 
the  next  morning,  but  found  my  family  all  in 
tears,  at  the  thought  of  my  going,  on  account 
of  news  having  come  that  day,  that  the  French 
were  capturing  our  Vessels,  and  imprisoning 
the  people.  At  this  time  the  French  nation, 
was  at  War  with  the  other  powers  of  Europe. 
Buonaparte,  at  length,  became  Emperor  of 
France,  and  came  very  near  Conquering  all 
the  nations  of  Europe.  But  by  his  rashness 
and  pride,  his  fall  was  sudden,  and  final.  After 
finding  the  feelings  of  my  family  (as  above 
stated,)  I  spent  the  whole  of  the  evening,  and 
some  part  of  the  night  (instead  of  packing  up 
my  things,)  in  contriving  some  way  to  get 
Clear  of  going  the  Voyage.  In  the  morning,  I 
went  to  some  of  the  Owners  who  were  my 
neighbors,  and  informed  them  of  my  wishes, 
and  that  I  had  no  doubt,  but  that  I  could  obtain 
a  Capt.  Howard,  of  New  Haven,  to  go  in  my 


79 


room,  and  that  he  would  also  take,  a  consider- 
able share  in  the  Vessel. 

They,  being  somewhat  frightened  by  the  late 
news,  readily  consented  to  my  proposals,  pro- 
vided he  would  take  a  part  of  the  Vessel.  I 
hastened  up  to  New  Haven,  and  soon  agreed 
with  Capt.  Howard,  and  came  home  at  night 
completely  discharged,  and  felt  well  satisfied 
in  thus  getting  Clear.  The  Brig  sailed  and 
arrived  safe  in  Martinico,  (which  was  then  in 
possession  of  the  British,)  sold  her  Cargo  well, 
and  was  like  to  make  a  good  Voyage.  She 
then  sailed  for  home,  but  was  soon  taken  by  a 
French  privateer,  and  carried  into  St.  Eustatia, — 
condemned,  and  bought  in,  by  some  American 
who  was  there,  and  Capt.  Howard,  and  his  crew 
took  charge,  to  bring  her  to  New  York,  and 
Sailed  from  St.  Eustatia,  but  after  that  she  was 
never  heard  from.  My  nearest  neighbor,  Joseph 
Smith,  and  one  of  his  sons,  was  lost  in  this 
Vessel. 

I  have  always  considered  this,  as  one  of  the 
mysterious  Events  of  my  life.  That  I  should, 
at  the  last  moment,  as  it  were,  gain  a  discharge 
from  a  vessel,  destined  to  destruction,  and  her 
whole  Crew,  to  a  Watery  Grave. 

After  this,  I  staid  at  home  some  time,  and 
after  the  French,  had  ceased  their  depreda- 


80 


tions,  in  the  year  1801,  I  went  to  New  London, 
and  purchased  the  Brig  Orion,  in  Company 
with  Esq.  Daggett,  and  Atwater  and  Daggett, 
fitted  her  out  for  the  West  Indies,  Anson  CHn- 
ton.  Master.  She  went  out  and  returned  in 
safety.  I  then  took  charge  myself,  and  went 
a  Voyage,  and  returned  in  Safety.  I  then  sold 
out  my  part  in  this  vessel,  and  staid  at  home 
until  about  the  year  1811,  when  I  took  an 
interest  in  the  Brig  Belona,  took  charge  my- 
self, got  loaded,  and  ready  for  sea,  when  Con- 
gress passed  an  Act  of  non  intercourse,  with 
all  the  British  possessions.  But  as  we  were 
ready  for  Sea,  we  had  to  proceed  on  our 
Voyage,  and  arrived  Safe  in  Martinico,  trans- 
acted my  business, — sailed  for  home,  and  after 
getting  in  on  the  back  side  of  Long  Island,  off 
the  Hamptons,  it  being  summer  time,  and  Easy 
weather,  I  calculated  to  go  on  Shore  at  East 
Hamptons,  Expecting  there  to  get  news  from 
home,  respecting  the  operations  of  the  non 
intercourse  Act. 

Here,  I  came  very  near  attempting  to  land 
in  the  Surf,  off  the  Hamptons,  which,  if  I  had 
attempted,  I  should  to  a  certainty,  have  been 
drowned  in  the  Surf.  But  kind  Providence 
prevented.  We  ran  in,  round  Montauk  Point, 
where   I   landed    in   perfect    Safety.     Just   at 


81 


daylight,  in  the  morning,  I  sent  the  boat  back  on 
board  the  Brig,  which  was  without  the  Point, 
being  the  Bluff,  off  Montauk  Point.  I  then, 
with  some  difficulty,  procured  a  Horse,  from 
the  keeper  of  the  Light,  to  ride  to  East  Hamp- 
ton, (about  20  miles,)  and  I  rode  almost  all  the 
way,  near  the  Shore,  with  the  deafening  noise 
of  the  Surf,  which  was  tumbling  in  on  shore, 
almost  continually  in  my  Ears,  which  reminded 
me,  of  the  danger  I  had  Escaped,  by  not 
attempting  to  land  in  the  yawl.  I  at  last 
obtained  the  desired  information,  and  returned 
the  next  day  to  Montauk  Point,  made  the  ap- 
pointed signal, — and  the  Brig  stood  in, — got 
on  board,— and  the  next  day,  got  into  New 
Haven. 

After  this,  Capt.  Ichabod  Smith  went  out, 
two  Voyages  to  the  West  Indies,  in  the  same 
Vessel. 

We  then  loaded  out  again,  but  she  was 
taken,  and  carried  into  St.  Kitts,  and  con- 
demned by  the  English.  The  case  was 
appealed  to  England,  but  finally  lost. 

After  this  I  never  went  to  sea,  any  more, 
myself,  but  have  had  a  small  interest,  first  and 
last,  in  several  Vessels.  I  chartered  a  small 
part  of  the  Brig  Iris,  belonging  to  Thomas  and 
Henry  W^ard,— Henry  Ward,  Master.  Traded 


82 


at  Guadaloupe,  when  Victor  Hughes  was 
Governor  General  of  the  Island.  He,  Capt. 
Ward,  drew  a  bill  on  his  Owners,  for  about 
one  thousand  dollars,  which  was  never  pre- 
sented for  payment.  We  chartered  the  same 
Vessel  again,  Farrand  Clark  Master.  She 
sailed  again  for  the  West  Indies  but  was  cap- 
tured by  the  French  and  lost.  I  owned  a  small 
part  of  the  Sloop  Nancy  and  Polly,  Gideon 
Kimberly  Master,  went  one  Voyage  Clear,  but 
the  next  voyage,  she  was  taken,  and  lost  and 
no  Insurance.  I  owned  a  small  part  of  the 
Brig  Willing  Maid,  Timothy  White  Master, 
which  went  to  Cape  Nichelamole,  and  returned 
safely.  She  was  then  loaded  again,  Ichabod 
Smith,  Master,  and  Eber  Sperry,  (in  part) 
Super  Cargo,  made  her  voyage  in  safety,  and 
was  then  sold.  I  owned  a  small  interest  in 
the  Ship  Hope,  Capt.  Ray,  Master,  and  John 
Spalding,  Super  Cargo.  Went  out  bound  to 
the  South  Sea,  on  a  Sealing  voyage.  But  in 
consequence  of  bad  weather,  loss  of  boats  &c, 
was  obliged  to  put  into  port,  on  this  side  of 
Cape  Horn,  and  repair.  He  had  taken  a  few 
seal  skins,  on  this  side  the  Cape  and  with  them 
went  Eastward  to  Canton.  Mr.  Spalding  the 
Super  Cargo,  being  a  young  man  of  great 
ambition,  and  high  Expectations,  of  making 


83 


his  fortune,  on  this  Voyage.  But,  after  seeing 
his  hopes  and  Expectations  all  vanish  at  once, 
he  could  not  bear  up  under  the  disappointment, 
and  therefore  went  forward  in  the  night,  and 
hung  himself  at  the  fore  Shrouds.  The  Ship 
was  sold,  on  her  return,  to  W^m.  Leffingwell, 
and  taken  to  New  York.  I  owned  a  part  of 
the  Schr.  Minerva,  in  Company  with  Henry 
Dagget  Esq.,  and  Ebenezer  Townsend,  Capt. 
English  Master.  Got  her  loaded,  and  ready 
for  Sea,  when  Capt.  English  was  taken  sick, 
and  Nathaniel  Kimberly  went  in  his  room. 
Sailed  for  the  West  Indies,  but  was  taken,  and 
carried  into  Guadaloupe,  on  the  North  Side. 
Capt.  Kimberly,  and  part  of  his  crew,  made 
their  Escape  in  their  boat  in  the  night,  and  got 
over  to  Antigua.  I  had  a  small  interest  in  the 
Brig  Caroline, — Schr.  Amelia, — Sloop  Lively, — 
and  Sloop  Dove,  and  perhaps  in  some  others 
not  recollected  but,  as  near  as  I  can  judge, 
without  keeping  strict  account,  I  never  made 
the  interest  of  my  money  in  navigation.  Ex- 
clusive of  my  perquisites  as  Master. 

In  about  the  year  ....  I  commenced  business, 
in  company  with  Noah  Wheaton,  Reuben 
Rice,  Titus  Street,  Samuel  Hughes,  and  Philen 
Harrison,  for  three  years,  under  the  name 
and  firm  of  "Painter,  Wheaton,  &  Co."   and 


84 


Reuben  Rice  &  Co/'  Painter,  Wheaton  &  Co  , 
occupyed  a  Store  on  the  Long  Wharf,  which 
was  burned,  in  the  great  fire  on  the  Wharf. 
Reuben  Rice  &  Co.  occupyed  a  Wooden  Store 
in  State  Street,  where  the  South  part  of  Streets 
building  now  Stands.  This  business  continued 
for  three  years,  at  the  End  of  which  a  new 
Copartnership  was  formed,  by  the  same  indi- 
viduals, with  the  addition  of  Elnathan  Atwater. 
Myself  and  Reuben  Rice  were  the  Active  part- 
ners. Capt.  Wheaton,  and  Elnathan  Atwater, 
went  masters  of  the  Vessels,  belonging  to  the 
Company. 

Capt.  W^heaton  went  out  in  the  Schr.  Nancy, 
and  got  dismasted  in  a  hurricane,  to  the  Wind- 
ward of  the  West  India  Islands  on  his  first 
voyage,  and  was  himself  washed  overboard 
and  lost.  The  death  of  Capt.  Wheaton,  one 
of  the  partners,  dissolved  the  partnership,  and 
after  the  business  was  settled,  I  became  a  part- 
ner in  the  grocery  Store  of  Reuben  Rice,  with 
himself,  Titus  Street,  and  Samuel  Hughes,  for 
three  years. 

At  the  Expiration  of  which,  the  business  was 
settled  up,  and  closed.  Some  where  about  this 
time  I  became  interested  in  a  dry  goods  Store 
the  next  adjoining,  West  of  Smith  &  Sherman, 
in   Chapel   Street,    in   company   with  George 


85 


Raymond,  and  Sidney  Huggins,  for  three  years. 
This  proved  a  most  ruinous  business,  as  in 
about  two  and  a  half  years,  I  got  the  business 
broken  up,  and  disolved,  with  the  loss  of  about 
all  I  put  in,  say  Twenty  five  hundred  dollars. 
About  this  time,  myself,  Capt.  Ichabod  Smith, 
and  Abram  Heaton,  Employed  James  Leite, 
to  build  us  a  vessel  at  Guilford,  When  Com- 
pleted, we  rigged  her  into  a  Ship,  and  Called 
her  the  Pacific.  She  went  one  voyage  from 
New  York,  to  Bristol,  in  England,  Capt.  Icha- 
bod Smith,  Master.  And  one  up  the  Straits  of 
Gibraltar,  into  the  Meditteranean, — then  into 
the  New  Orleans  trade,  when  Capt.  Smith,  in 
a  short  time,  undertook  to  furnish  a  piloting 
Establishment,  at  the  Balize,  for  piloting,  and 
had  several  Boats  built  for  that  purpose,  and 
a  house  at  the  Balize,  and  also,  a  small  store, 
at  the  same  place,  and,  for  a  short  time,  one  up 
at  New  Orleans,  in  which  I  became  interested, 
but  not  by  my  consent.  The  Store  at  the  Balize, 
I  had  one-third  interest  in.  About  the  year 
1826,  we  sold  the  Pacific,  and  in  about  1829,  I 
sold  my  share  in  the  piloting  Concern  at  the 
Balize,  to  Mr.  Heaton,  which  ended  our  con- 
cerns in  Ship  Pacific,  piloting  concerns,  &c. 
and  according  to  the  best  calculation,  which  I 
could  make,  having  kept  an  account  of  moneys 


86 


paid,  and  received, — I  received  something  Short 
of  5  per  cent  on  my  money  while  engaged  in 
this  business. 

I  now  having  arrived  nearly  to  the  Age  of 
man,  and  having  a  wife,  who  was  much  en- 
feebled by  the  numb  palsy,  I  thought  it  not 
best,  to  Engage  any  farther  in  active  business, 
and,  for  the  future  only  to  superintend  my  own 
domestic  concerns,  in  connection  with  such 
acts  of  kindness,  as  I  might  be  able  to  perform, 
for  my  neighbors,  and  the  public. 


87 


A  SHORT  SKETCH  OF  MY  FAMILY 

WILL  NOW  CLOSE  THIS 

NARRATIVE. 

I  was  married,  to  Miss  Hannah  Candee,  in 
the  latter  part  of  the  year  1783,  and  she  con- 
tinued, to  live  at  her  Father's,  for  some  time, 
as  I  was  almost  continually  at  Sea,  in  the 
Sloop  Nancy,  as  heretofore  Stated. 

We  both  joined  the  Church  of  Christ,  in 
West  Haven  RevJl  Noah  Williston,  Pastor, 
some  time  in  the  year  1784. 

We  removed  to  the  house,  where  I  now  live, 
sometime  in  the  year  1785.  In  consequence  of 
my  having  kept  a  record  of  the  births,  of  all 
my  Children,  in  my  account  book,  I  am  able  to 
state  them  as  follows,  Viz.  August  8*^  1784,  we 
had  a  daughter  born,  and  called  her  name 
Angelina.  On  the  21^*  of  March  1787,  we  had 
a  son  born,  and  called  his  name,  Joseph.  He 
appeared  to  be  a  healthy  Child,  until  about 
eight   and    a   half  months    old,  when  he  was 


ANCESTRY  OF 


-Condc 


Thomas  Painter 
Westerly,  R.  I. 

1706 

Catherine 

1641 

George  Lamberton 
1646 

Margaret  Lewen 
John  Cande 


Shubal  Painter 
of  Newport,  R.  1. 
1641 


Mercy  Lamberton 

1641 


Zaccheus  Candee 

1640  1720 


Henry  Bristol 


Rebecca  Bristol 

1648  1739 


Robert  Dunbar 

1630  1693 


John  Beecher 

1637 

Hannah  


1659 


Robert  Stevens 

Forde,BrixtonParish,  England 
1627 

Dionis 


Zachery  Goodyear 
Susanna  Baxter 


Si 


Isaac  Beecher 

1689 

Mary  


John  Stevens 


1670 


Mary 


John  Colt 

of  Glamorganshire,  Wales 
1659 

Mary  Jenners 
1596  1676 


George  Smith 


1662 


Sarah 


Stephen  Goodyear  (DeputyGovJ 

1603 

Margaret  Lewen  Lamberton 


Rose 


1700 


John  Beecher 
1645  1712 


Elizabeth 


1722 


John  Stevens 
1632 


Mary  Coit 


Nathan  Smith 
1656 


Esther  Goodyear 
1654  1690 


^1 


George  Smith 
Sarah 


1662 


George  Lamberton 

1646 

Margaret  Lewen 
John  Cooper 


John  Thompson 
Ellen  Harrison 


1689 


1674 


1690 


in     , 

2| 


Samuel  Smith  (Lieut.) 

1651  1726 


I 


Obedience  Lamberton  ^  \ 
1645  1734  J 


John  Cooper,  Jr. 


Mary  Thompson 

1652 


THOMAS  PAINTER 


Thomas  Painter  (Ensign) 

1674  1730 


Rebecca  Candee 

1671 


S  \  Shobal  Painter 

1698  1785  \ 


I^   )  Joseph  Painter 

1731  1766 


John  Dunbar 


Elizabeth  Beecher 


o  >  Elizabeth  Dunbar 
^   I     1701 


Thomas  Stevens 
1677  1777 


®  )   Thomas  Stevens 
1713  1752 


I 

< 


Amy  Smith 
1683  1780 


Samuel  Smith  (Capt. ) 
1753 


b  v   Desire  Smith 

1712  1779 


{2  >  Amy  Stevens 

^  I    1737  1773 


Mary  Cooper 
1677  1761 


taken  sick,  just  as  I  was  ready  for  Sea.  I  left 
him  doubting,  whether  I  should  Ever  see  him 
again.  On  my  return  my  fears  were  realised. 
He  died,  at  the  age  of  nine  months,  and  thirteen 
days.  I  continued  my  business  of  following 
the  Sea,  as  usual. 

On  the  i6*M  of  April  1789,  We  had  another 
son  born  and  called  his  name  Joseph  Alexis. 
He  also,  appeared  to  be  a  well,  healthy  Child, 
until  four  years  of  age,  when  he  was  taken 
sick,  and  died,  aged  four  years,  and  two 
months.  On  the  20*.^  of  August  1791,  we  had 
a  daughter  born,  and  Called  her  name  Cynthia. 

On  the  24*.^  of  November  1794,  we  had  a  son 
born,  and  Called  his  name  Alexis.  On  the  7*^  of 
April  1797,  we  had  a  son  born,  and  called  his 
name  Samuel. 

On  the  3'f  of  October,  1799,  we  had  a  son 
born,  and  called  his  name  Sidney.  On  the 
26*,^  of  February  1802,  we  had  a  daughter  born, 
and  Called  her  name  Amelia. 

She  appeared  in  good  health,  for  ten  months, 
and  some  days,  then  sickened  and  died.  On 
the  21^^  of  May  1804,  we  had  a  son  born, 
and  called  his  name  Lucius.  He  lived  to  be 
nine  years  old,  when  Samuel  (who  lived 
with  Charles  Sherman,  in  New  Haven), 
came  home,  sick  with  the  Dyssentary,  which 


89 


disorder  spread  almost  entirely  through  my 
family.  Mrs.  Painter,  Sidney  and  Lucius 
were  all  down  at  the  same  time  with  it,  so 
that  we  had  a  complete  Hospital,  and  it  ap- 
peared to  me  that  the  disorder  was  Extremely 
infectious,  so  much  so,  that  I  would  not  ask, 
or  Even  wish,  any  of  the  neighbors,  to  assist 
me  in  watching.  I  had  therefore,  a  task 
indeed,  as  I  kept  the  Sick,  all  up  Chamber,  so 
as  not  to  spread  the  desease.  I  had  to  watch 
Every  night,  and  get  a  nap,  of  about  three 
hours,  in  the  morning,  and  then,  up  to  the 
Charge  of  my  Sick  Ones. 

At  length  they  all  began  to  mend.  Except 
Lucius,  who  continued  to  grow  worse,  until 
death  came  to  his  relief.  *****  Now  perhaps 
I  may  with  Safety  Say,  that  no  one  can  know, 
the  heart  rending  pangs  that  parents  must  feel, 
in  committing  So  many  of  their  dear  Children 
to  the  dust,  Except  those  who  have  Experienced 
it.  The  rest  of  my  Children,  (five  in  number), 
lived  to  grow  up,  to  mature  age,  and  are  all 
now  living  and  Scattered  round  about  the 
Country. 

Now,  when  I  review  the  past,  and  think  of 
the  Sorrowful  days  and  nights,  which  I  have 
spent  over  the  Sick  and  dying  beds  of  So  many 
of  my  dear  Children  who  died  in  infancy  and 


go 


Childhood,  before  they  had  Experienced  much 
of  the  troubles,  sorrows,  and  temptations,  of  a 
wicked  and  Ensnaring  world,  and  then  as  I 
humbly  hope,  made  a  safe,  and  happy  retreat, 
to  a  happier,  and  better  country,  where  sin  and 
Sorrow,  gain  no  Admittance. 

And  then,  when  I  think  of  my  other  Children 
who  survive,  and  Embarked  on  the  tempes- 
tuous Ocean  of  life,  continually  liable  to  be 
Shipwrecked,  by  the  many  Snares,  and  tempta- 
tions, which  beset  them  on  every  Side,  besides 
being  liable  to  many  misfortunes,  and  disap- 
pointments, and  perhaps  have  to  Struggle  hard, 
to  obtain  food  and  raiment,  and  at  last,  have 
the  debt  of  nature,  which  we  all  owe,  to  pay, 
and  appear  before  their  Judge,  with  a  long, 
and  fearful  account,  I  say,  when  I  think  of  all 
these  things,  I  am  almost  ready  to  say,  although 
Ever  so  grevious  at  parting, — Happy  the  babes 
who  made  an  Early  Exit.  But  I  do  humbly 
hope  I  have  committed  those  who  are  gone, 
and  those  which  remain,  to  the  care  and  keep- 
ing, of  that  kind  and  gracious  being  who  when 
my  Father,  and  Mother,  had  forsaken  me,  took 
me  up,  and  in  the  many  perils  and  dangers 
which  have  beset  my  path  through  life,  has 
been  a  God  at  hand,  and  not  afar  off,  so  that 
when  I  cried  to  him,  in  my  troubles,  his  arm 


91 


brought  Salvation,  Even  to  a  good  old  age. 
Those  of  my  Children  that  Survive  now  live 
as  follows,  Viz.  Cynthia,  in  Westfield  Mass. 
Angelina,  and  Sidney,  in  New  Haven.  Alexis, 
at  his  native  Village  in  West  Haven,  and 
Samuel,  in  New  York,  where  he  has  resided 
for  Eighteen  years. 

My  Children  were  all  baptized  in  infancy,  by 
the  ReverJ^  Noah  Williston,  the  same  person 
by  whom  I  was  baptized  myself,  he,  having 
settled  in  West  Haven  the  same  year,  in  which 
I  was  born,  and  he,  was  Ordained,  when  I  was 
about  five  months  old.  As  I  have  before  Stated, 
I  left  following  the  Sea  Steady,  at  about  the 
meridian  of  life,  in  order  to  Enjoy  the  Com- 
forts of  my  family,  and  fireside.  And,  from 
that  time  forward,  I  presume,  did  Enjoy  my- 
self, and  take  as  much  comfort,  as  commonly 
falls  to  the  lot  of  man  in  this  life,  having  Agar's 
portion,  neither  poverty,  nor  riches,  but  food 
and  raiment  convenient,  with  which,  I  was  in 
a  good  measure,  and  ought  always,  to  be 
entirely  content,  while  I,  and  my  dear  Com- 
panion, were  endeavoring  to  rear  up,  and 
instruct  our  Children,  which  were  still  spared 
to  us,  after  our  poor  fashion,  until  they  began 
to  leave  us;  and  scatter  out  into  the  wide  world, 
all  of  them  in  different  directions,ExceptSidney, 


92 


who  staid  at  home  until  he  was  about  twenty 
Six  years  of  age.  So,  that  in  a  few  fleeting 
moments,  as  it  appeared,  we  were  left  entirely 
alone,  and  not  a  child  at  home,  to  look  upon. 

In  this  retired  Situation,  we  continued,  living 
in  our  peacable  and  quiet  retreat,  in  the  full 
enjoyment  of  all  the  comforts,  which  ought 
to  be  desired,  or  wished  for,  in  our  journey, 
through  this  probationary  State;  until  at  length, 
my  Companion  began  to  have  some  fearful 
forebodings  of  coming  trouble,  in  consequence 
of  feelings  of  numbness.  At  these  feelings  she 
felt  more  alarmed  while  she  recollected  that 
her  mother,  all  her  mother's  Sisters  (six  in 
number)  and  also  her  Grandfather,  and  Grand- 
mother Sherman,  all  died  with  the  numb  palsy. 
And  it  was  not  long,  before  her  fears  were 
realized,  and  she  was  taken  suddenly  in  fits 
and  spasms,  which  we  thought,  had  some 
relation  to  the  palsy.  For  about  One  day,  we 
did  not  Expect  her  life.  But,  at  length  She 
partially  recovered,  and  for  some  time,  was 
able  to  attend  to  her  domestic  Concerns,  they, 
however  being  small. 

In  this  state  she  continued  some  time,  until, 
at  length,  in  getting  up  one  morning,  she  found 
she  could  hardly  walk.  On  getting  to  the  fire, 
I  drew  off  her  Stockings,  and  soon  discovered. 


93 


by  the  blue  spots  on  her  feet,  that  the  palsy  had 
come  in  Earnest. 

I  went  immediately  to  brushing,  rubbing, 
&c,  and  continued  this  operation  daily,  for  a 
considerable  length  of  time,  but  she  never 
could  gain,  the  full  use  of  her  feet  again,  but 
continued  to  hobble  about  House,  for  about  one 
year,  when  the  fatal  moment  of  her  departure 
had  arrived.  As  She  had  all  her  life  time,  been, 
of  very  industrious  habits,  and  must  always  be 
doing  something,  she  could  not  be  satisfied, 
unless  she  had  some  work  in  her  hands.  But 
as  the  palsy,  had  in  some  degree,  weakened, 
and  impaired  her  faculties,  we  found  some 
difficulty,  in  providing  work,  which  she  was 
able,  and  competent,  to  manage,  and  accom- 
plish, without  assistance.  At  length  on  the 
ig^^  day  of  November  1830,  We  being  alone 
in  the  House,  and  she  sitting  by  the  kitchen 
fire  place,  attending  to  her  sewing  work,  which 
she  had  in  her  hand, — I,  happening  to  come 
into  the  room,  at  that  instant,  sat  down  near 
her,  and  was  looking  at  her,  perhaps  two  or 
three  minutes  to  see  her  manage  her  work. 
All  at  once  she  laid  the  work  down  in  her  lap, 
and  seemed  to  sit,  as  if  in  a  deep  study  about 
something. 

I   thought,   that    something   might    be    the 


94 


matter,  and  that  she  might  be  faint.  I  there- 
fore took  hold  of  her,  to  assist  her  on  to  the  bed, 
and  spoke  to  her,  but  she  made  me  no  reply, 
nor  any  motion  to  help  herself.  I  then  took 
her  up  in  my  arms,  carried  her  into  the  other 
room,  and  laid  her  on  the  Bed,  and  she  ap- 
peared to  be  gone.  I  immediately  set  to  rub- 
bing her,  and  blowing  in  her  face,  to  make  her 
Catch  for  breath  &c.  As  it  happened  at  this 
instant  Mrs.  Smith,  (wife  of  my  neighbor, 
Chauncey  Smith,)  came  in,  and  she  rallied  a 
few  of  the  neighbors,  who  soon  came  in,  and 
a  Horse,  already  Saddled,  being  at  hand,  I 
sent  immediately  to  New  Haven  for  a  Doctor, 
and  he  was  quick  here,  before  she  was  entirely 
gone.  But  there  was  no  help,  neither  did  I 
expect  any,  but  I  thought  it  would  be  a  com- 
fort to  me,  not  knowing  what  might  be  possible. 

The  pulse  ceased  to  beat  soon  after  the 
arrival  of  the  Doctor.  She  was  taken  at  about 
12  O.'  Clock  at  noon,  and  all  signs  of  life  dis- 
appeared, and  her  Eyes,  Closed  in  death,  at 
about  3  O.'  Clock.  P.  M. 

She  never  Spoke,  nor  so  much  as  moved  a 
single  joint  or  finger, — or  opened  her  Eyes, — 
or  made  the  least  noise,  from  the  time  she  was 
taken,  until  her  pulse  ceased  to  beat,  and  her 
departing  Spirit,  took  its  flight,  as  I  have  reason 


95 


to  believe,  to  some  of  those  many  mansions 
which  are  prepared  for  all  those  who  love  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  in  Sincerity. 

And  Oh !  what  a  change  in  three  short  hours. 

My  care  and  my  comfort,  my  dear  Com- 
panion and  bosom  friend,  with  whom  I  have 
So  happily  walked,  through  a  long  journey  in 
life,  for  the  Space  of  forty  seven  years,  is  no 
more. 

Her  eyes,  and  lips,  are  forever  Closed  in 
death,  and  I  am  left  a  Solitary  wanderer,  to 
continue  a  short  space  longer.  In  about  four 
days  after  her  decease,  we  committed  the 
mortal  remains  of  my  dear  Companion,  to  the 
Silent  grave. 

I  continued  at  my  lonely  dwelling,  with 
Amelia  P.  Rich,  my  Grand  Daughter,  for  my 
House  Keeper,  for  about  thirteen  months,  until 
she  became  somewhat  tired  of  her  confine- 
ment, I,  not  knowing  what  way  was  best  for 
me.  I  now,  knew  not  what  way,  it  was  best 
for  me  to  take,  whether,  to  break  up  house- 
keeping, and  leave  my  home,  (the  place  where 
I  was  born,  and  where  I  had  spent  a  long  life,) 
and  go  abroad  to  board,  must  be  very  disagree- 
able,— or, — to  find  a  suitable  House  keeper,  to 
come  and  stay  with  me,  was  also  both,  difficult 
and   disagreeable, — or, — to    seek    for    another 


96 


partner,  and  be  able  to  find  one  of  the  right 
stamp,  in  all  respects,  I  knew,  also,  to  be 
Equally  difficult,  although,  perhaps  not  quite 
as  disagreeable.  I  therefore  resolved,  upon  the 
latter  of  these  alternatives.  I  therefore  Con- 
cluded, that  if  I  could  find  a  partner  of  Suitable 
age,  &  other  ways  agreeably  situated,  who 
would  be  willing  to  become  my  companion  for 
a  short  time,  that  I  had  better  form  another 
connection. 

Accordingly  I  became  acquainted  with  Mrs. 
Elizabeth  W.  Buddington,  of  Hartford,  and 
some  time  in  the  month  of  December  1831,  I 
went  to  Hartford  in  the  stage,  and  in  the  same 
month,  we  were  married  by  the  Rev^  Joel 
Hawes;  after  which,  we  proceeded  in  the  stage 
to  Westfield,  where  we  spent  about  ten  days, 
and  then  returned  to  West  Haven,  by  the  way 
of  Hartford,  where  we  have  lived  in  the  enjoy- 
ment of  health,  and  Comfort,  for  nearly  five 
years. 


97 


A  COPY  OF  THOMAS  PAINTER'S  LAST 
LETTER  TO  HIS  CHILDREN 

WHICH    WAS    FOUND    WITH    HIS    WILL    IN    BANK   VAULT  IN  NEW 

HAVEN,    DATED    AND     WRITTEN    IN    DECEMBER  1842, 

ABOUT   SIX   YEARS   BEFORE   HIS   DECEASE. 


My  Dear  Children: 

It  has  long  been  my  wish,  and  intention,  to 
leave  a  few  lines  for  your  perusal,  after  I 
am  gone,  and  the  hand  that  penned  them  is 
mould'ring  in  the  dust.  But  I  have  put  off, 
and  put  off,  this  disagreeable  business,  to  this 
late  hour,  when  between  8i  and  82  years  of 
my  life,  have  come  and  gone,  and  the  grave 
blossoms  are  covering  my  head,  and  the  in- 
firmities of  age  are  fast  creeping  upon  me,  and 
I  begin  to  know  what  it  means,  when  it  is  said, 
*^the  grasshopper  shall  be  a  burden/'  Now, 
when  I  take  a  retrospective  view  of  my  long 
life,  and  recount  the  numerous  dangers  of 
death,  through  which  I  have  passed,  and  the 


98 


very  many,  to  which  I  have  been  Exposed,  of 
falling  into  bad  practices  while  in  the  Army, 
in  Prison  Ships,  Privateering,  following  the 
Sea  &c.,  while  very  young,  having  no  Parents 
to  instruct,  or  to  give  me  counsel,  or  advice, 
(and  yet,  I  hope  I  have,  through  the  goodness 
of  God,  Escaped  most  of  the  grosser  Sins,  and 
Vices,  to  which  many  have  fallen  an  easy 
prey,) — and  when  I  consider  the  great  good- 
ness of  God  to  me,  in  the  almost  miraculous 
preservation  of  my  health,  (never  having  a  fit 
of  sickness  during  my  whole  life,)  when  I  look 
back  on  the  many  dangers,  through  which  I 
have  passed,  and  the  mercies  almost  innumer- 
able which  I  have  Enjoyed,  while  all  my 
youthful  acquaintance,  are  gone  to  their  final 
account,  and  yet  I  am  still,  a  spared  monu- 
ment of  the  mercies  of  God.  Oh !  how  I  ought 
to  be  astonished,  while  I  attempt  to  recount 
the  mercies  I  have  received,  from  my  kind  and 
gracious  God.  Yes,  his  mercies  both  temporal 
and  Spiritual,  have  been  without  number, — 
and  how  much  more  ought  I  to  be  astonished 
to  think,  that  after  all  this  kindness,  and  for- 
bearance Exercised  towards  me,  that  I  should 
be  unthankful,  and  unmindful  of  the  God,  and 
giver  of  all  my  mercies.  And  why  such  a 
rebellious  wretch  as  I  am,  should  be  continued 


99 


to  this  time,  is  known  only  to  him,  who  knows 
all  things.  But,  perhaps  I  have  already  said 
too  much  about  myself,  as  I  have  heretofore 
given  you  a  written  narrative  of  my  life,  and 
the  principal  object  of  this  letter  being,  to  give 
you  a  few  hints,  by  way  of  advice,  and  take 
my  final  leave  of  you.  And  I  trust  you  will 
believe  me,  when  I  tell  you,  that  this  is  solemn 
work  with  me,  standing  as  I  do,  on  the  brink 
of  the  grave,  and  knowing  that  my  departure 
is  at  hand,  and  then  looking  around,  after  my 
dear  Surviving  Children,  who  are  scattered 
around  in  such  a  World  as  this;— it  is  impos- 
sible, but  I  must  feel  great  concern,  for  their 
temporal  and  Spiritual  welfare.  And  I  am 
afraid  I  have  been  too  much  concerned  for 
their  temporal  welfare,  and  that  I  have  not 
been.  Entirely  willing  to  leave  them,  in  the 
hands  of  that  kind,  and  merciful  being,  who, 
when  both  my  Father,  and  my  Mother,  had 
forsaken  me  while  very  young,  took  me  up, 
and  sustained  me  to  this  time.  Even  to  very 
Old  Age.  And  I  fear  that  I  have  been  too 
little  concerned  for  your  Spiritual  interest,  in 
that  good  part  which  can  not  be  taken  away. 
But  thanks  be  to  God,  that  I  may  have  a  hope, 
that  my  poor  prayers,  and  wishes,  have  been 
granted,  and  that  I  may  hope  that  you  have 


100 


all  Entered  the  Ark  of  Safety,  and  that  you 
have  all  Embraced,  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  in 
the  Arms  of  your  love.  And  if  so  press  for- 
ward toward  the  mark,  for  the  prize  of  your 
high  Calling,  always  bearing  it  in  mind  that 
the  snares  and  temptations,  which  lie  in  your 
way,  in  the  short  journey  of  life,  are  numerous, 
and  that  you  have  the  world,  the  flesh,  and 
that  subtle  adversary,  the  Devil,  to  Contend 
with,  always  remembering,  that  your  own 
strength  is  weakness.  Look  therefore  to 
God,  through  the  merits  of  the  Redeemer,  for 
assistance,  in  all  times  of  need,  always  de- 
pending wholly  on  the  merits,  and  interces- 
sion, of  our  dear  Redeemer,  for  acceptance 
with  God,  for  I  do  hope  and  trust  that  you 
see,  that  your  own  best  righteousness,  is  as 
filthy  rags,  and  that  your  best  services,  needs 
Cleansing  in  the  blood  of  Atonement.  Lean 
therefore,  wholly,  on  the  Arm  of  your  Almighty 
Saviour,  striving  to  imitate  his  lovely  example, 
and  to  walk  in  his  footsteps. 

I  believe  it  to  be,  one  of  the  most  difficult 
duties,  that  is  required  of  a  real  Christian,  in 
the  present  life, — to  be, — and  to  have, — ^just  so 
much  to  do  with  this  World,  as  duty  requires, 
and  yet,  not  to  be  Entangled,  &  captivated 
with  it,  to  the  neglect  of  the  great,  and  the  one 


lOI 


thing  needful.  Our  heavenly  father  knows, 
that  we  stand  in  need  of  these  worldly  Com- 
forts, but  his  direction  is,  seek  first,  the  king- 
dom of  God,  and  his  righteousness,  and  then 
adds  the  promise,  that  all  these  things,  shall 
be  added.  You,  now,  are  all  at,  or  passed,  the 
meridian  of  life,  and  some  of  you  begin  to 
carry  the  marks  of  age.  You  have  all  no 
doubt,  been  wishing  at  least  to  obtain  Agur's 
portion,  and  no  doubt  would  have  been  grati- 
fied, to  have  obtained  something  more.  But 
your  heavenly  Father,  has  not  seen  best,  that 
you  should  possess  much  of  this  World's 
goods,  and  what  he  does,  is  always  best.  He 
has  informed  us,  in  his  word,  of  the  great 
danger  of  riches,  and  that  it  is,  almost  impos- 
sible, for  a  rich  man  to  enter  into  the  kingdom 
of  heaven,  and  those,  who  live  long  in  the 
World,  will  bear  sorrowful  testimony,  (if  we 
may  judge,)  to  the  truth  of  this  part  of  Holy 
Writ. 

I  have  long  since,  made  up  my  mind,  that 
generally,  there  is  no  readier  way,  to  cause  a 
man  to  deny  his  Maker,  than  to  give  him  un- 
interrupted prosperity,  and  an  abundance  of 
this  worlds  goods.  I  do  not  make  the  remarks, 
thinking, — or  Expecting,  and  I  hope,  not  even 
wishing,  that  any  of  you  should  become  rich. 


102 


yet,  I  could  wish  if  it  was  God's  will,  that  you 
might  have  food  and  raiment,  so  as  to  be  com- 
fortable, but  not  fashionable,  like  too  many, 
who  call  themselves  Christians,  at  the  present 
day.  As  I  have  before  observed,  I  have  been 
preserved,  (though  left  an  Orphan  soon  after 
leaving  my  Cradle,)  through  a  long  life,  and 
have  been  blessed,  with  what  I  call  Agur's 
portion,  and  perhaps  something  more.  And  if 
anything  should  remain,  after  my  Decease,  I 
have  made  a  distribution  of  the  same,  which 
you  will  receive,  together  v/ith  this  letter,  and, 
I  must  be  permitted,  not  only  to  hope,  but  to 
know,  that  you  will  all  be  perfectly  satisfied 
therewith,  for,  did  I  now  believe,  that  it  would 
be  otherwa^^s,  and  that  the  small  savings  of  a 
long  life,  would  be  the  cause  of  any  unkind 
feelings  among  you,  towards  Each  other,  I 
should,  most  certainly,  dispose  of  it  in  a  very 
different  way.  And  I  do  also  hope,  and  trust, 
that  whatever  you  may  receive,  may  be  Ex- 
pended, only,  for  the  necessaries  of  life,  while 
on  your  journey  to  the  grave, — or, — if  you 
have  anything  to  spare,  devote  it  to  benevo- 
lent, and  pious  purposes.  While  we  are  living, 
with  some,  no  doubt,  the  thoughts  of  being  so 
soon  forgot,  after  they  are  covered  with  the 
Clods  of  the  Valley,  is  very  disagreeable,  but  I 


103 


have  no  doubt  you  will  feel,  a  desire,  on  first 
reading  this  letter,  to  pay  a  visit  to  the  spot 
which  contains  my  sleeping  dust,  and  while 
your  thoughts  are  thus  employed.  Oh!  remem- 
ber, that  after  a  few  more  setting  suns,  your 
dust  will  be  commingled  with  mine.  As  I  have 
just  observed,  I  trust  you  will  all  be  satisfied 
with  the  disposal  which  I  have  made,  for  I  can 
assure  you,  that  I  have  had  no  Josephs  or  Ben- 
jamins, in  my  family.  I  know  of  no  difference 
in  my  love,  and  affection,  to  any  of  my  Chil- 
dren, and  could  I  now  speak  to  you  from  my 
narrow  house,  I  must  tell  you  the  same  thing. 
If  I  have  made  any  difference,  it  is  because  I 
thought  the  circumstances  required  it.  And  I 
trust,  that  you  will.  Each  one,  banish  the  most 
distant  appearance  of  any  uneasy  thoughts, 
which  may  arise  about  the  pittance,  which, 
perhaps,  I  may  leave  you.  As  you  have  been 
kind,  and  obedient  Children,  and  have  not 
rent  your  Parents  heart,  with  any  outrageous 
Conduct,  I  do  therefore,  hope,  and  believe, 
that  you  will  all,  lovingly  receive,  (if  any  thing 
remains,)  what  Providence  has  thus  kindly 
provided  for  you,  by  me. 

It  is  the  Ardent  prayer  of  your  affectionate 
Father,  that  you  may  live  together  in  this 
world,  as  brethren,  endeavoring  to  keep  the 


104 


unity  of  the  Spirit,  in  the  bond  of  peace,  never 
suffering  any  root  of  bitterness,  to  spring  up, 
that  may  destroy,  the  happiness  of  your  fra- 
ternal affection,  since  you  are  all  professedly, 
and  I  do  hope,  in  reality,  journeying  to  a  better 
Country,  to  the  same  Eternal  Home,  and  what- 
ever different  subordinate  views,  you  may  at 
anytime  Entertain,  your  principal  and  ultimate 
End  is,  I  hope,  the  New  Jerusalem  above, 
where,  you  all  hope  to  arrive  at  last.  I  hope 
you  will  not  think  it  out  of  place,  if  I  should, 
once  more,  and,  as  it  were  with  my  dying 
breath.  Enjoin  it  upon  you,  to  live  in  peace, 
harmony,  and  love,  for,  if  I  might  be  permitted, 
and  it  were  proper  thus  to  speak,  it  does  appear 
to  me,  that  if  any  disturbances  should  arise 
among  you,  (such  as  I  have  often  witnessed  in 
families,)  that  it  would  disturb  my  very  sleeping 
dust. 

It  only  now  remains,  that  I  close  this  letter, 
by  bidding  you  a  long, — yes, — a  long  and  final, 
farewell ! ! — hoping,  that  by  the  mercy  of  God, 
through  the  merits  of  Christ,  we  may  all,  One 
day,  have  an  infinitely  happier  meeting,  than 
we  have  Ever  had,  in  this  world  of  Sin,  and 
Sorrow, 

Even   at   Christ's   right   hand,   in   Zion 
above,   being   Clothed    upon,   with   the 


105 


Spotless  robe  of  his  righteousness,  to 
spend  an  Eternity,  with  Saints,  and 
Angels,  in  singing  praises,  and  Halle- 
lujahs, to  God,  and  the  Lamb.  Amen. 
From  your  Affectionate  Father 

THOS.  PAINTER. 

N.  B.  It  is  my  wish,  that  Each  of  my  Chil- 
dren, should  have  a  Copy,  of  the  fore- 
going letter,  and  also,  a  Copy  of  the 
Narrative  of  my  life,  and  I  do  hope,  that 
Each  one,  will  be  willing,  to  make  a 
Copy  for  themselves. 

It  is  my  wish,  that  after  my  decease,  that 
this  letter,  be  Copied  into  the  book,  in  which, 
is  the  Narrative  of  my  life,  and  that  each  of 
my  Children  have  a  Copy  of  the  whole. 


106 


